��Ӱֱ��

��Ӱֱ�� State officially welcomed more than 1,300 freshmen to campus Thursday morning during a New Student Convocation led by President Dr. Skip Sullivan at the Orvis Activities Center.

This year’s incoming class consists of 1,350 students from 60 of New York’s 62 counties and 18 additional states, plus 30 international students from seven countries. Of these new students, 102 have been identified as ��Ӱֱ�� State Distinguished Scholars and 194 additional students have been offered other scholarships in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements, exceptional vocational skills, and extraordinary talents outside of the classroom. A number of students also bring with them previous work experience and successful college course work.

Speaking first to students, Sullivan encouraged them to get involved on campus through clubs, organizations, and civic engagement and leadership opportunities. He also shared some of the exciting upcoming events taking place at ��Ӱֱ�� State during the fall semester.

“Get ready to work hard in your classes, but have some fun,” Sullivan said, “and best to you for the most memorable experience of your life.”

SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor and Faculty Senate Chair Jim Grillo provided some advice to help students succeed at ��Ӱֱ�� State. He told them to seek help when they need it, not to cut corners or procrastinate, to take responsibility for their own actions, be confident, step outside their comfort zone, and balance academic and social opportunities.

“The good news is you aren’t going on your journey alone,” Grillo said. “We will be there helping and encouraging you at every stage. You will have some of the best faculty in the State University of New York helping you to succeed. These professors, as well as an outstanding professional staff, are here for you, to teach you the concepts that will serve you well in your future career.”

Pat Fogarty, College Council chair, told students, “There is more that you can do here than I could ever think of mentioning, but please, please get involved. My message is very simple: Join. Be doers. Go outside of yourself. Push the envelope. And then, you will be what ��Ӱֱ�� State is all about: Pioneers.”

Greg Sammons, vice president for Student Affairs, then introduced students to ��Ӱֱ�� State’s “Principles of Community” and Student Senate President Katherine Holmok, a business administration major from Prattsville, led students, faculty, and staff in reciting the college oath.

After Sullivan’s concluding remarks, students, faculty, and staff headed to Pioneer Stadium to create a human ��Ӱֱ�� State logo for a photo session, which was followed by food, music, and activities outdoors nearby the stadium. .