As Lundquist College alumni and current students are well aware, becoming a full-fledged business or accounting major is no small achievement.
To even qualify to apply for full major status, students must first meet the college's rigorous prebusiness requirements. Once this is accomplished, it's still no shoo-in. Of those who apply, only around 70 percent are admitted to full major status.
Given the magnitude of this accomplishment, it's no surprise that the college has a longstanding tradition of recognizing the achievement of its newest majors with an official celebration.
This fall, that celebration grew in scope and gravity. It also gained a new title: New Majors Convocation and Celebration.
Faculty, staff, and current majors were invited to come together to welcome the newly admitted majors with a half-day of festivities.
The day's first stop was a set of tables in front of the Lillis Business Complex where the new majors picked up specially designed t-shirts. Dark green with the word “business" spelled out in capital letters, the tees paid playful tribute to John Belushi's sweater in Animal House.
Next, the new majors roamed the atrium visiting with representatives from the college's clubs and discovering other opportunities available to them.
At 11:30 a.m., it was time for the official ceremony to begin. Attendees braved gray skies and stray sprinkles on the Lillis Complex's north lawn to take part in the convocation and hear a keynote speech from Avamere Professor of Practice Michael Crooke, former CEO of Patagonia.
After that, it was time for a group photo—and some fun. Students and faculty enjoyed ice cream and played the carnival-style games on offer on the north lawn.
We welcome the newest generation of business and accounting majors and wish them much success in their time here.