Enthusiastic freshmen, parents, faculty and administrators gathered in the SUB Ballroom for the Freshman Convocation, the first of what will be an annual tradition, given by University President Louis Caldera yesterday afternoon.
Caldera said the convocation was intended to rally first-year students to use to their advantage the many resources and opportunities at UNM while in college.
"The education you receive at UNM will not give answers to the problems faced by your generation, but it will better prepare you to address personal and national issues with insight and education," Caldera said to the crowd of about 300 people.
Click here for a transcript of President Caldera's Speech
"Your education here at UNM, in and out of the classroom, will prepare you not only as productive citizens, but as educated individuals."
Caldera said the convocation address is just one of his many efforts aimed at aiding incoming freshmen. With about 3,000 freshmen enrolled this semester, nearly double the total four years ago, freshmen retention has become a high priority for UNM administrators, he said.
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Peter White, dean of University College, cited two key factors in the increase and retention of incoming freshmen: the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship and successful undergraduate advisement.
"In 2002, 69 percent of the eligible freshmen received the lottery scholarship, but student success really stems from the faculty that freshmen encounter while in college," White said. "Faculty contact and solid advisement increases retention and student success. They guided, mentored and tutored me. They are there for you too. You just need to ask." Andrea Cook, UNM student Regent and Jennifer Onuska, ASUNM president, elaborated on how their journeys as students have been greatly assisted by University student services.
"UNM provides the best programs, academically and socially," Cook said. "I encourage you to take the first step forward to join that organization and talk to that professor. Reach out and become a part of the UNM community."
Some freshmen at the convocation said it was beneficial and informative, helping them understand the road ahead of them, while others said it was insightful and inspiring.
"The convocation was very interesting and motivational and I learned a lot," said freshman Micaela Martinez. "It really reminds you of why you came to college and to keep going and never give up, no matter how hard it will be."
Freshman Christopher McCann said he thought Caldera was very sincere and direct.
"I think he will do the school a lot of good," McCann said.
Caldera said he wanted to address the freshman class in particular because he understands its importance to the future of UNM, as well as to the world. He wants them to be productive members of the University community.
"It is important that we create a cohesive unity among the students on our campus to prepare them as actors in the world," Caldera said.
