Elon University welcomed freshmen, transfer students and their families with New Student Convocation Aug. 23. Keeping with tradition, the ceremony took place Under the Oaks.

While new students filed into their seats, parents searched for the best place to watch the welcoming speeches and observe as students received their acorns.

“It made you feel welcome and less afraid,” said freshman Madison Kadlic.

As the new class is told every year, the acorn symbolizes the growth that students experience during their time at Elon. The tradition continues when they graduate, receiving an oak sapling after they walk across the stage at Commencement.

The ceremony began with a procession of flags bearing the names of the six academic schools at Elon — The College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, the Martha & Spencer Love School of Business, the School of Health Sciences, the School of Communications and the School of Law.

Following the flags, Elon faculty and staff entered. Dressed in their academic regalia honoring their various achievements

and academic positions, the faculty took their seats for the ceremony

The Rev. Dr. Jan Fuller, the University Chaplain, gave the opening remarks with a welcoming speech about the many questions Elon students will ask about life, spirituality and knowledge.

Joe Incorvia, the president of the Student Government Association and a member of the Class of 2015, reflected on his own convocation four years ago. But first, he took a selfie.

“I wanted to be the first one to get a picture with the entire class of 2018,” said Incorvia.

He gave the new students an impression of what they could do with their time at Elon by talking about his own accomplishments. He impressed upon the students that their time at Elon will have a significant impact on the kind of people they become.

“I really liked the Student Body President’s speech,” said freshman Kara Shutt.. “I connected with it.”

Following Incorvia, Smith Jackson, vice president of student life and dean of students and Steven House, provost and vice president for academic affairs, welcomed the Class of 2018 and faculty.

Smith introduced five exceptional students in the class of 2018 for reasons ranging from academic excellence to athletic accomplishments.

Next, University President Leo Lambert welcomed the new students with an interactive human bar graph, asking them to stand in different groups to highlight the privilege of an Elon education.

Lambert told students to embrace their time at Elon and to take advantage of the experience. As he has in years past, he compared Elon to a buffet and advised students not to make a bologna sandwich.

“Leo’s joke about the bologna sandwich was the most memorable part of convocation last year, so I’m glad he included it again,” said sophomore Katie Condon.

Closing the ceremony, Associate Professor of Education Terry Tomasek told students and parents about the expectations professors will have in the classroom, the lack of tolerance for disrespect on campus, and the Honor Code.

She also led the group in singing the Alma Mater.

Finally, new students left convocation, acorn in hand.

Freshman Foster Euymer said convocation was something people wouldn’t get anywhere else. He felt that it was unique to Elon, which made him feel more welcome.

“The music reminded me of ‘Game of Thrones,’” said Euymer.