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Brock Wren, a freshman from Shreveport who is majoring in professional land resource management, is thrilled to begin college at UL Lafayette.

Wren was among the new students welcomed at Convocation on Sunday at the Cajundome Convention Center.

“I never made a better decision in my life,” he said of enrolling at the University. “I’ve always loved southwest �޻���ֱ��, so I had to get down here.”

Sydney Gallow, a freshman from Opelousas, said she picked UL Lafayette for two reasons: “It’s close to home and family, and I heard it’s a really good school.”

New students watched a video presentation and a short skit, heard a rendition of the University fight song, participated in a pep rally, and mingled with fellow freshmen over hamburgers and hot dogs at Convocation.

They also received words of wisdom and inspiration from administrators, faculty members, other students and head football coach Mark Hudspeth. New students were advised to take an active role in the classroom, and to become involved in University activities that fit their interests and talents.

“There’s something for each of you here,” said Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president. “You can connect in any number of ways, whatever your talents or your interests may be. And it’s important that you do that, because the more you engage, the more you feel a part of the University, and the more the University becomes a part of you.”

Dr. James Henderson, provost and vice president for academic affairs, encouraged students to “take chances” and to give themselves permission to make mistakes. “I want you to take that to heart, because that’s how you are going to learn.”

Dr. John Troutman, an associate professor of history who received the Dr. Ray P. Authement Excellence in Teaching Award this spring, said students have the power to define their own futures. To do that, they must be unafraid of change, and allow themselves to be open to new ideas, viewpoints and people.

“You’ll meet people who are different from you, with different ideas from your own, people from different countries or even different parishes. Empathize with them. Embrace them as classmates and fellow citizens of our community,” Troutman said.

Dane Adams, SGA president, told students they have the “opportunity to become exactly who you were meant to be.”

“Challenge yourself to grow, step out of your comfort zone and be a sponge. Soak up everything that you possibly can,” he said.