Catawba College

SALISBURY — The Omwake-Dearborn Chapel was filled to capacity for Catawba College’s Opening Convocation ceremony on Tuesday. The event marked the advent of the institution’s 168^th academic year and was scheduled the day before the first day of classes on Wednesday.

New first-year students to the college were welcomed to the campus community by receiving pins featuring the college seal. These new students also signed their names in a campus registry to mark the beginning of their college careers and were welcomed after the convocation ceremony with greetings and high fives from faculty, staff and upper class students.

Salisbury Mayor Al Heggins brought greetings from the City to the convocation attendees, as did representatives from the college’s board of trustees, faculty senate, staff council and the student government association.

Those attending the convocation also recited the college Honor Code, affirming their adherence to its tenets.

Catawba College President Brien Lewis delivered the convocation address, sharing some of the most important things that his mentors had taught him.

College Provost Dr. Constance Rogers-Lowery officiated as new SGA officers for the ’18-’19 academic year took the oath of office during the convocation ceremony.

Also during the ceremony, a brief commissioning ceremony was held for 15 Junior Marshals who have agreed to serve and assist during the college’s formal ceremonies throughout the new academic year. Each received a medallion with an image of the Hedrick Administration Building on it and a long-stemmed white rose to mark the occasion.

Junior Marshals, who assist Catawba College Marshal David Pulliam, assure that order and dignity are observed during formal occasions at the college, including convocations, baccalaureate and commencement. They were chosen from the junior class based on academic rank and are among the most honored students on campus. They embody the best of Catawba College both in academic achievement and service to the College community.

Following the convocation, a Sustainable Community Picnic was held on the lawn in front of the Corriher-Linn-Black Library. Hosted by the Office of the President, the student affiliates of the American Chemical Society, Environment Catawba Outreach, Psi Chi, Catawba Outdoor Adventures and the Center for the Environment, the event was a nearly zero waste event. Food eaten was disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner, and eco-friendly activities encouraged campus interaction while heightening awareness about Catawba’s commitment to sustainability.