On Wed, Sept. 12, the Freshman Convocation was held to finally welcome the newest freshman class to Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
Around 1,250 students packed into the Steinke Physical Education Center making this the second biggest freshman class in TAMUK history.
“We grew 16 percent with our freshmen,” TAMUK President Dr. Steve Tallant confirmed.
After the National Anthem, the students learned of university traditions such as the regalia and the class ring, but not before being hyped up by Senior Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Terisa Riley.
“They are full of incredible spirit, and seem very ready for college,” Dr. Riley said.
After being built up, Dr. Riley introduced Dr. Tallant to speak to the freshman class.
Dr. Tallant spoke passionately about the importance of time management, the pride one should have for attending university, and the fact that every single person in the room could succeed if they set their minds to it.
The significance of this being Dr. Tallant’s last freshman class was evident. His emotion was both excited for the future, but sad that he must say goodbye.
“It’s bittersweet,” Dr. Tallant began, “leaving an institution, leaving a place that has done so well the last 10 years, and leaving the students is going to be very difficult.”
Despite the underlying sorrow of goodbye, the faculty is sure that the legacy of Dr. Steve Tallant will help and inspire all students of this class and many classes to come.
“We have so many new programs, activities, majors and facilities on campus that would not have been possible without his vision.” Dr. Riley said.
The students are more than ready to be what Dr. Tallant expects them to be, and to succeed the way he would want them to.
“TAMUK has been my dream school as far as I can remember,” Animal Science major Zulema Villarreal said.