Over 1,000 college freshmen stand in a field creating a large 2028.
The Class of 2028 is projected to be AU’s largest incoming freshman class and represents AU’s bicentennial class.

Class of 2028 welcomed at Freshman Convocation

Avatar photoHaley Crain2 min readAugust 20, 2024

Excitement and nerves filled the air as Augusta University’s Class of 2028 recently took part in Freshman Convocation.

Supported by the Office of First and Second Year Experiences, Freshman Convocation is the beginning bookend that concludes with graduation and kick-starts students’ academic journeys at AU.

A college woman rings a large bell on a stage.
The Arsenal Bell is rung three times at the
beginning and end of every Convocation and
Commencement Ceremony. The bell was part
of the U.S. Arsenal property acquired by the
Junior College of Augusta in 1957. It serves as
a resounding celebration of our past, present
and future.
[Michael Holahan/Augusta University]

The purpose of Convocation is to establish a connection between first-year students and AU by emphasizing the university’s commitment to their academic success. Convocation also serves as first-year students’ introduction to university traditions, including ringing the Arsenal Bell and throwing a penny in the Blanchard Fountain.

At the event, students heard from university leadership, including President Russell T. Keen, EdD, and Interim Provost Jennifer C. Sullivan, PhD.

Students participated in their class pinning ceremony, led by Summerville Alumni Society President Kyle Scott, and took their official class photo.

After the ceremony, students enjoyed brunch in the grove and had the chance to mingle while connecting with the faculty, staff and other students from their colleges.

“The college experience can be equally exciting and overwhelming for students,” said Elizabeth Huggins, EdD, director of First and Second Year Experiences. “We hope our new Jags leave Convocation feeling that they’re supported and welcomed by our campus community.”

A large gathering of over 1,000 college freshmen sit and stand around an outdoor amphitheater.
The Augusta University Class of 2028 gathered at the Douglas Barnard Amphitheater to celebrate Freshman Convocation prior to the start of the fall semester. [Michael Holahan/Augusta University]

This freshman class is like no other in more ways than one. The Class of 2028 is projected to be AU’s largest incoming freshman class and represents AU’s bicentennial class. 2028 will mark the 200th anniversary of the inception of AU’s legacy institution, the Medical College of Georgia.

Kyleigh Beasley, a native of Columbus, Georgia, will be studying dental hygiene in the College of Allied Health Sciences at AU. When looking for a university to attend, she wanted to find somewhere that had more than just her desired major.

“I’m a recipient of the three-year ROTC scholarship. Augusta seemed like a perfect fit; I didn’t really want to go out-of-state,” said Beasley.

Incoming Augusta-area student Faith Edwards chose Augusta University because she wanted to stay close to home. It was an added plus that the degree she wanted to pursue was offered at AU, as well.  

“I’m studying Biomedical Systems Engineering, so I knew I wanted to study here. I wasn’t quite ready to leave home so I was happy to see this offered here,” said Edwards.

Cameron Natson, a new Animation student from Statesboro, Georgia, is looking forward to joining the welcoming community and getting started on pursuing his dream career.

“I’m excited, a little nervous, but I think it’ll be fun,” Natson said. “I’m ready to get on the path to what I want to do, potentially owning my own business/animation studio.” 

Five college students wearing shirts with a logo for Augusta University lean in toward each other to pose for a photo.
A female college freshman speaks with two female college upperclassmen at a table inside a large ballroom.
Freshman college students talk to college staff at a table in a large green space outside.
Five college freshmen women stand around a round table outside in a large greenspace with lots of people gathered in small groups around the field.
Two college freshmen women talk to each other during an outside gathering.
College freshmen sit around an outdoor amphitheater. Some are wearing sunglasses and others are using cardboard fans that have an image of a tree on them.
Five college students, four men and one woman, have their arms wrapped around each other's shoulders as they sway side to side.
College freshmen sit around an outdoor amphitheater. Some are wearing sunglasses and others are using cardboard fans that have an image of a tree on them.
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Haley Crain

Haley Crain is the Communications Specialist for the Division of Instruction & Innovation at Augusta University. Contact her to schedule an interview on this topic or with one of our experts at hcrain@augusta.edu.

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