Tennessee Tech University welcomed its newest class of Golden Eagles this week at convocation, the university’s formal induction ceremony for freshman students held at the Hooper Eblen Center.

President Phil Oldham, Interim Provost John Liu, senior administrators and faculty presided over the ceremony, which prepares students for life at Tech.

“Wings up, class of 2029! Welcome to campus and to Cookeville,” said President Oldham to the freshman students gathered at the event. “You will find adventure, friendships and success here. Welcome home.”

Karen Lykins, vice president for enrollment and communication at Tech, delivered remarks highlighting the students’ unique backgrounds and experiences.

“There are more than 2,000 of you coming this fall and starting classes in a couple of days,” Lykins said to the students. “This is one of the biggest crowds we've had at a convocation.”

Lykins added that, among the class of 2029, five students are National Merit Finalists, 21 students are Eagle Scouts, 77 students are varsity athletes, 81 students are members of the Golden Eagle Marching Band and more than 1,300 students are entering the university with some college credit.

While the university’s official headcount will not be released until the completion of the annual fall census two weeks after the start of classes, Lykins noted that Tech’s freshman class is on track to rank among the university’s largest in its 110-year history.

Susan Wells, senior lecturer in Tech’s College of Business, delivered remarks on behalf of Tech faculty and reflected on her personal experiences as a Tech alumna and longtime employee.

“With Tennessee Tech, you are not just earning a degree you are gaining a community,” said Wells. “I came to Tech as a transfer student almost 37 years ago, and I never left. Within two weeks of being in Cookeville and on campus, I knew I was home.”

Later in the event, Interim Provost John Liu administered the Oath of Academic Integrity, in which the class of 2029 pledged to “value and uphold the standards of Tennessee Tech University by pursuing my academic endeavors with honesty, responsibility and courage.”

Student Government Association President Cheyenne Bare, a senior from Rogersville, Tenn., served as emcee while Braxton Westbrook, a graduate student and Tech’s current student trustee from Johnson City, Tenn., served as macebearer. Robert Owens, senior executive for access, belonging and community outreach, offered the invocation.

Following convocation, the class of 2029 was escorted to Tucker Stadium for the annual class photo on the football field. Students will each receive a digital copy of the class photo to download and share with family.

Learn more about convocation at Tech and watch a livestreamed video of this year’s ceremony at www.tntech.edu/convocation.