Arkansas Tech University formally welcomed its Class of 2022 during a pair of freshman convocation ceremonies at John E. Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Sunday afternoon.
The incoming ATU students participated in a Tech tradition during the ceremony by putting on their academic gowns, a symbol of their transition to college student status and their goal of returning to Tucker Coliseum in 2022 to receive their degrees.
This marked the fifth consecutive year that Arkansas Tech has hosted freshman convocation.
“Arkansas Tech University’s history is built upon educational opportunity,” Dr. Robin E. Bowen, ATU president, told the assembled freshmen on Sunday afternoon. “It is built upon professionalism and integrity. It is built upon grit. Grit is the passion and perseverance to overcome any and all obstacles that stand between you and your academic goals. Your brain is like a muscle. The harder you work, the stronger it becomes. Today, we inherit the 109-year tradition of Arkansas Tech, and although we proudly honor the past, we look boldly to the future.”
Dr. Phillip Bridgmon, interim vice president for academic affairs at ATU, also spoke to the Class of 2022 on Sunday. He encouraged Tech freshmen to commit themselves to building community among their peers, engage in their classroom work and consider service to others.
The journey for the ATU Class of 2022 will begin in earnest on Wednesday, Aug. 22, with the first day of class for the 109th session of Arkansas Tech.
