Updated as of 10:51 p.m. on Aug. 24 to include video.
Caroline Staley’s education has always been rooted in tradition. After attending an all-girls, private school in Philadelphia, she was reminded of her own high school tradition when she received her acorn at Elon University’s New Student Convocation on Aug. 24.
“I love that,” Staley said. “I went to an all-girls, private, Catholic school, so my school was very big on tradition, so I'm excited for more of that.”
During convocation, Staley, 1,623 other freshmen and 75 transfer students took part in their first Elon tradition and received their acorns in front of Elon faculty, staff and their parents.
Freshman and transfer students travel through the Alamance Building to fulfill the Elon tradition of touching the Bell from Main on Aug 24.
Even if tradition is something freshmen are unfamiliar with, incoming freshman Makai Newman said Elon’s traditions are very inclusive.
“It's really easy to get into them,” Newman said. “I feel very comfortable with them.”
Despite the comfortability of tradition, university President Connie Book told the class of 2028 that they will be challenged throughout their college career.
“Over the next four years, you will be challenged and supported and challenged and supported again,” Book said during the event. “And that is how you learn.”
Book also stressed the importance of relying on Elon’s faculty, mentors and other professionals during the Presidential Address.
“You have the good fortune to be surrounded by the finest faculty in the nation — teachers, scholars, mentors, dedicated and generous student life and college professionals who will inspire you to stretch yourself during your time here,” Book said.
In addition to showcasing the role of Elon’s faculty, staff and other resources, Book asked parents to remind their children that they have resources available to them at Elon.
“When you receive that text or phone call, remind your student that they have everything they need to be successful here at Elon and that you have the confidence in them to work through the challenges they are facing by using these resources,” Book said. “They are prepared, they’re ready, you believe in them and so do we.”
Jill O’Brien, an Elon parent from Stamford, Connecticut, said she felt bittersweet about saying goodbye to her daughter, Olivia, after Convocation.
“It's bittersweet,” O’Brien said. “Sad, because she's my youngest, but it's so exciting, and this place seems so amazing. I know she's in good hands here.”
For others, the thought of their children being away from them hasn’t sunk in yet. Carolyn Williams, an Elon parent from Owings Mills, Maryland, said she doesn’t know what life is going to be like without her daughter in their house.
“I don't think it'll really hit me until I get home and she's not there with me in the evenings,” Williams said. “But I'm extremely excited for her. I'm excited for her to start the next chapter in her life.”