Mason, UI staff welcome class of 2014

The University of Iowa fight song echoed through the Pentacrest and President Sally Mason was on hand as the convocation for the UI class of 2014 commenced on Sunday afternoon.

The Old Capitol provided the backdrop as freshmen filed onto the west lawn of the Pentacrest, each trying to find the small bits of shade that remained like moths flocking to a light bulb.

But the ninety-degree heat did not stop much of the UI's largest incoming freshman class in the school's history from taking in its official welcome, as administrators, faculty members, and fellow students participated in the ceremony.

President Mason addressed the crowd first, telling the students about the importance of discovering new passions and feeling a sense of community.

“While we are a big place, we find common purpose in our dedication to each other and to our educational mission,” she said. “We are all part of the Hawkeye family.”

UI freshman Alison Sullivan, of Clinton, spoke on behalf of her class after winning a YouTube video contest to earn the right to speak at the event.

Sullivan spoke of the significance of new beginnings, having the ambition to challenge oneself, and how the class has already etched its stamp on the university after being its largest incoming class.

“I am here today to declare to not only the University of Iowa, but also to the entire Iowa City community that we are here responding to the challenge to be remarkable,” Sullivan said. “And to extend beyond and redefine for the generations that follow, the standards of what being remarkable is.”

UI senior Roberto Paniagua, a political science and economics major, also welcomed the new batch of students, providing insight to his experiences at the university.

He said having a feeling of not knowing what to expect or what direction to go when first arriving on campus is normal, and those same feelings allowed him to broaden his horizons and experience several of the opportunities the UI has to offer.

All freshman who attended the ceremony received a gold tassel, which Tom Rocklin, UI interim vice president of student services, said represents their commitment to excel and succeed at the university.

“I want each of you to hang this [tassel] in a visible location,” Rocklin asked the crowd. “So you are reminded everyday why you went to the University of Iowa.”

After the ceremony, students were invited to a block party at the president's home, where there was free food, a DJ, and prize giveaways.

UI freshman Taylor Harris, who is joining her older sister at the UI from Plainfield, Ill. said she enjoyed the event, but what has caught her attention is the atmosphere on campus.

“Everyone is just happy and everyone is wearing Iowa clothes. I love that”

Freshman Tyler Gray, from Centerville, said the number of people around campus has made an impression on him.

“I come from a small town, so it's a pretty big change,” he said. “I'm really enjoying meeting all these different people.”

But Harris and Gray both said what they are looking forward to the most is the first Hawkeye gameday.

“Football for sure,” said Harris, who has never been to a UI football game. “My sister has explained game days to me and they sound amazing.”