As the first week of the Fall Semester is underway, first-year Oglethorpe students gathered in the Conant Performing Arts Center for Convocation 2025, an annual ceremony that marks the beginning of each Petrel’s academic journey.

The ceremony began with a message of inspiration from Dr. Gabriel Barreneche, Oglethorpe’s provost and vice president of academic affairs.

“This week, you have embarked on a transformative journey,” Barreneche began. “This will be a tough transition for both you and those you leave behind. However, I will say that these transitions will lead to growth, evolution, bigger and better things.”

The annual ceremony to officially welcome Oglethorpe’s new class, Convocation also includes the signing of the university’s Honor Code — the academic responsibilities that students accept by becoming members of the Oglethorpe community and the procedures they will follow should that commitment to honesty be questioned. Every student signs this code.

In addition to Barreneche, speakers at this year’s Convocation included President Dr. Kathryn McClymond, Student Government Association President Ari Lee ’26 and Assistant Professor of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Honor Council Secretary Dr. Anna Ziering.

“Oglethorpe is the right place to take your first flight into the future,” McClymond said. “Be true to yourself, hold yourself to the highest standards of honor and integrity, and open yourself to new understandings of the world.”

A celebration of Petrel Pride, Convocation 2025 also featured the Oglethorpe University Singers, conducted for the first time by Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Andrew Schmidt, who officially joined the university earlier this year. He led the new students in singing Oglethorpe’s alma mater and fight song.