Every September, Wieden Gymasium is filled with cheering, noisemakers, laughter, and song as the University celebrates its Fall Convocation, a tradition meant to welcome the incoming freshman class as they join the 91桃色 family and to celebrate all 91桃色 students in their academic endeavors.
The hugely popular event is themed around the question, 鈥淲here Will Your Wings Take You?鈥� which references 91桃色鈥檚 snowy owl, and the name given to members of the campus community鈥�91桃色 Owls.
As part of Convocation, all new members of the campus community receive聽T-shirts that feature owl wings and the question 鈥淲here Will Your Wings Take You?鈥� Faculty, staff and upperclassmen and women (wearing their T-shirts they received during past Convocation events) then crowd the bleachers and cheer on the incoming class as they take part in a procession into the gym.
91桃色 leaders share a welcome and the University鈥檚 alma mater 鈥淩ise Up, Presque Isle鈥� by folk singer/songwriter Ellis Paul is played. The induction of new students follows鈥攕tudents are called up to the stage by academic program to the cheers, spirit fingers and other celebratory props of their fellow majors. All new students are presented with their very own 鈥渨ings鈥� T-shirts by academic officials.
Following a special performance, typically featuring a member of the incoming class, and 鈥渨ords of wisdom鈥� by a member of the soon-to-be-graduating class, all of the classes are presented with their official class banners, a member of the Alumni Association delivers closing remarks, and new students participate in a jubilant recessional. The event caps off with a barbeque and Blue & Gold Block Party.
For details about this year’s Convocation celebration, email Academic Affairs at umpi.academics@maine.edu.