New University of Missouri–St. Louis students cheer as their colleges and schools are announced during the New Student Convocation Friday afternoon at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center. The raucous cheering was part of a new spirit award tradition introduced by Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Steven J. Berberich. (Photos by Derik Holtmann)

Friday afternoon, eager first-year University of Missouri–St. Louis students descended upon the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center for the second annual New Student Convocation.

Many stopped by tents dotting the walkways to pick up a fresh UMSL T-shirt in Triton red before heading into the venue. Inside, helpful UMSL staff members guided them to the lower level of the building. Some new students posed for pictures, while others chatted and enjoyed free treats provided by the university. As 4 p.m. approached, students, their families and UMSL faculty and staff made their way into the Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall.

The crowd nearly filled the auditorium and continued chattering with excitement as it settled in for the event.

The New Student Convocation was launched during the start of the 2023-24 academic year and is designed to formally welcome the newest class of students and their families to the UMSL campus.

During the roughly 40-minute ceremonial event, new students heard from speakers including Chancellor Kristin Sobolik, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment and Career Advancement Reggie Hill, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Steven J. Berberich, Vice Provost for Student Affairs Jessica Long-Pease, alum and Program Coordinator for Postdoctoral Community Engagement at Washington University in St. Louis Elizabeth Eikmann, Student Government Association President Alexander Orywall and student speaker Zahria Patrick.

UMSL deans donned their academic regalia for the ceremonial event.

New students also received a lapel pin and recited the Triton Creed to commemorate their induction into the UMSL community. Following the ceremony, they posed for a class photo and then made their way to the Millennium Student Center for a Welcome Bash hosted by the Office of Student Involvement.

Hill kicked off the activities with a warm welcome to the newest class of Tritons, one of the largest to date. He highlighted some of the impressive numbers – about 1,200 students from the St. Louis region and Missouri, more than 200 students from 25 states throughout the country and more than 100 international students from 26 countries.

Hill then shared some advice, encouraging students to embrace the power of adaptability in an ever-evolving world and to be open to change and new experiences.

“Change is the constant force that shapes our lives and propels us forward,” he said. “In your time here at UMSL, change will manifest in many forms – new friendships, diverse perspective, challenging academic pursuits and personal transformation. Embracing change is not just a mindset but a powerful tool that can enrich your college experience and prepare you for the dynamic world that awaits you beyond these walls.”

Sobolik took the stage next and illustrated that UMSL is not just a university but a deeply rooted community.

“You have chosen to invest in yourselves, in your futures and in the limitless possibilities that lie ahead,” she told the new Tritons. “This is a time of transformation, a time when you will be challenged, inspired and empowered to grow in more ways than you’ve ever imagined.

New students recite the Triton Creed toward the end of the event.

“UMSL is a place that welcomes, supports and celebrates everyone, a place where every individual is valued. No matter where you come from or what your journey has been, you will find a place here. Our community is vibrant, inclusive and ready to support you in every way possible.”

Berberich congratulated the students on their admittance to UMSL and echoed Hill’s message.

“College life is about more than attending classes and earning grades,” he said. “It is a time to explore, to experiment and to discover your passions. Take advantage of the rich array of extracurricular activities, clubs and organizations available to you. Engage in debates, discussions and intellectual pursuits beyond the classroom. These experiences will not only enhance your personal growth but will also help you develop invaluable leadership and teamwork skills.”

Berberich closed his remarks with the introduction of a new tradition. He produced a trophy from behind the lectern, informing the crowd it would go to the academic unit with the most spirit. As he introduced the deans of each college and school, he invited students, faculty and staff associated with each to stand and cheer.

The College of Business Administration, the Pierre Laclede Honors College and the College of Arts and Sciences duked it out for the hardware, but ultimately, the afternoon’s speakers judged the College of Arts and Sciences victorious.

Next, Long-Pease offered a brief history of the university in honor of its 60th anniversary last year. She noted that UMSL has grown significantly over the past six decades, now boasting more than 117,000 alumni throughout the nation.

Eikmann is one of the 80,000 alumni who call the St. Louis region home. She shared her UMSL story, noting that she came to campus with two things: curiosity and a plan. However, her curiosity derailed her plan, though in the best way possible. It led her to major in English and minor in American studies and to eventually earn a PhD in American studies.

“It meant, for me, changing my major, very frighteningly, as a junior, but finding the field and path for me that I was interested in and passionate about and ended up caring for in ways that I really didn’t know were possible when I first stepped onto campus,” she said. “All of this happened because I was encouraged to be curious. I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone. I was encouraged to take time and space to discover who I was and what I was interested in, what I wanted to study, what I was passionate about.”

After receiving their Triton pins and reciting the Triton Creed, new students filed out of the the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center for a class photo to commemorate their induction into the UMSL community.

After sharing her journey, Eikmann turned the stage over to two current students, Orywall and Patrick, who has made the most of her time at UMSL as a chemistry major, teaching assistant, active learning assistant and participant in the Opportunity Scholars Program and the Missouri Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation.

“I have experienced so many wonderful things for the first time,” Patrick said. “I got my first job here as an active learning assistant. I went to my first national research conference and won an award. I’ve been on a plane for the first time. I went to the capitol for the first time and more.

“One piece of advice I want to give you all is to not be afraid, to challenge the norm and to stand up. Present pink research posters and win two awards for it. Organize your own webinars and help your fellow peers get scholarships. Advocate for huge changes in school like adding a fellowship office. Don’t be afraid to be one of the first, if not the first, student to do something no other student has done.”

Before leaving for the class photo and Welcome Bash, Eikmann and Patrick led the crowd in a recitation of the Triton Creed, and Long-Pease left everyone with one final message.

“We hope that you will remember this celebration and the Triton Creed to keep you going during your time here at the university,” she said. “Our Triton community is here every step of the way, and we look forward to sharing another Triton tradition when we celebrate you and see the Triton pins on your graduation day.”