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WPU officially starts the year with Academic Convocation

Pacers welcome 222 new freshmen, transfers to Raleigh campus

Raleigh, NC (08/21/2024) — William Peace University officially kicked off the 2024-25 year Tuesday afternoon.

The 153rd Academic Convocation took place at Holy Trinity Church located across from WPU's downtown Raleigh campus.

Decked out in matching tie-dyed shirts, the class of 2028 filled the rows of the sanctuary on the eve of the beginning of their college careers.

After an invocation from Chaplain Tanner Brown, the new Pacers (freshman class plus transfers) were welcomed by Dr. Lynn Morton, President of William Peace University.

"We are all here to support you wherever you want to go," Morton told the group. "You bring your own personality and your identity to a place that accepts you for who you are now and supports you in who you will become."

Morton mentioned that this group of freshmen came from 11 different states and the new transfers came from five states. The group also includes one international student. The average high school GPA for this group is 3.4, Morton said.

"You make up what is so unique about William Peace University," Morton said, "an energetic, brilliant group of students who are ready to start their tomorrow today."

Dr. Lynda Szymanski, Vice President for Academic Affairs, shared tips for the school year with the group.

With the faculty sitting off the side, Szymanski emphasized that the small classroom size means the professor will have a personal relationship with the students.

"They are going to know who you are," Szymanski said. "They are going to know your names."

Szymanski stressed the importance of being involved, making the most of WPUs immersive learning program.

"The more engaged you are, the more you'll learn and gain critical skills that will prepare you for your future," Szymanski said.

She also encouraged the students to get involved in activities, as well as take advantage of all the opportunities available to them in the city of Raleigh.The keynote speaker for the evening was Erica Jastrow, the 2024 McCormick Distinguished Teacher award winner. Jastrow is an Assistant Professor of Nursing as well as the department chair.

Jastrow shared stories of attending Lenoir-Rhyne, and some study habits that helped her along the way - she's big on headphones and music. That wasn't her only tip to career success, though.

"Number one is to put in work," Jastrow said. "You have to dedicate time to reading, learning and doing your assignments. Number two is to take care of yourself. You have to do things to keep your body active, you have to do things that help you relax."

Jastrow told the students how she would walk around campus at Lenoir-Rhyne to clear her head, and that on occasion they'll see her walking around Peace Street now. She also encouraged the group to visit counselors on campus if needed.

"Remember I told you I was an introvert," Jastrow said. "I had to do some things differently in that I had to open up to people, I had to make new friends. I couldn't be at my school, away from home without a support system."

Jastrow ended her speech telling the students to be prepared for success and failure.

"You really have to acknowledge your failure and talk to your faculty and your peers," Jastrow said. "We are here to hold you accountable and to celebrate with you. We can't wait to see what you will accomplish."

Classes started Wednesday morning.

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WPU kicked off the 2024-25 Academic year with its 153rd Academic Convocation on Tuesday afternoon.

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