Fresno State welcomes new students with convocation at Save Mart Center

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The fall semester at Fresno State begins on Tuesday, but on Monday, the faculty and staff rolled out the welcome mat for new students.

From the moment new students walked into the Save Mart Center at Fresno State, they were welcomed with cheers from faculty and staff. This is the university's new student convocation -- Fresno State's official welcoming ceremony. For freshmen, this is the perfect time to get some new Fresno State swag and to start making connections with staff and students.

"I'm excited to meet everyone and to make new friends. I want to participate in all the school events that there are, so this is like a starting point," student Oliver Lopez said.

"Just for new opportunities. You know, Fresno State is a great school. Come to support our teams," student Cole Pennel said.

There was no shortage of showing off school spirit. Plenty of students and staff were howling in the hallways.

Once inside the arena, new students were greeted by Fresno State President Sr. Joseph Castro. He says this year's new class of 5,000 students is already making history. "As we begin the university's 105th year, you are joining our campus community at a unique time in history. This year marks the largest class of new students, and you are all a part of it," he said.

Dr. Castro says Fresno State has more applicants each year, and students are graduating in a more timely way. And those students will have an impact on the community. "Those of you here today are the next generation of leaders. You will leverage all that you have learned to lead and make your own distinctive, positive impact," Castro said.

He offered this last advice before new students hit the classroom: "Be bold, be nice, be proud, be a Bulldog. Go Dogs!"