It’s the start of a new year and freshmen engineers have made their commitment to knowledge by “ringing-in” the next four years at the university.
What started off as a course project in 2005, soon developed into a tradition that has been carried out by TAMUK’s College of Engineering. Freshmen engineers gathered around on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the Engineering Complex to participate in the tradition of ringing the ceremonial bell symbolizing their commitment to knowledge and success.
“It’s a special way to welcome students, as they are making a transition from their hometown to college. Students ‘Ring-in to learn’ is the start of a will students make that they are determined to succeed. After four years, a similar ceremony is held, which marks their accomplishments, that they are educated and ready to serve the community,” Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs Dr. Afzel Noore said.
During the ceremony students pledged to invest effort into their success, their education, to build themselves up and prepare to serve their people.
However, for some students this was more than just a promise to themselves.
“My plan is to continue my education to be an Electrical Engineer as my dad wanted to be but couldn’t. But God willingly, I will be able to ‘Ring-Out,’” Cedric Cerda, electrical engineering major, said.
The ringing of the bell affected each student differently. Each one wore a smile on their face when stating their names and hometown just before ringing the symbolic bell.
“I felt excited, you know? This is like a commencement of a new journey. A very new chapter in my life,” Mica Plueger, architectural engineering major, said.
Dr. Noore encouraged students to get involved by showcasing the success of alumni from the College of Engineering, such as the CEO of Exxon Mobile and founder of Valero.
Noore presented students with a motivational speech and explained the resources available for students throughout TAMUK.
“I think the exciting thing is I get to see people that I actually recognize from other classes and hopefully we are all ringing out together,” Julissa Hernandez, industrial engineer major, said.
This journey is one that students don’t have to face alone as it is encouraged that students seek the Javelina Engineering Student Success Center for help. Students were given a warm welcome to the College of Engineering and are excitedly starting their four-year journey until they are ready to “ring-out to serve.”