On Friday morning, August 18, in the Rick Case Arena at the Don Taft University Center, Nova Southeastern University welcomed incoming undergraduate students as new members of the Shark family. With close to 800 new students in attendance, over 120 faculty members, and hundreds of additional family members, guests, continuing students, and university staff members – the event was by far the largest in its current format. Incoming students received their official NSU stole and first shark pin, on stage from one of our academic deans, as part of a new tradition which began in 2015.
The event featured remarks from the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ralph Rogers; the President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. George Hanbury; 2016/2017 STUEYS Professor of the year, Dr. Albert Williams; Undergraduate Student Government Association President, Alex Lopez; and Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Brad Williams. As an added bonus to the festivities, incoming freshman Jehan Dib performed a wonderful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, Dr. Albert Williams included an exciting electric guitar solo as part of his faculty address, and faculty member Dr. Bill Adams performed an interactive version of the NSU anthem with the entire audience.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Provost Rogers and an exit of the incoming students from the arena through a shark funnel of current NSU student leaders. Overall, it was a unique and exciting welcome to NSU for our new NSU sharks and their families.