Imaginare, cogitare, facere.
Those Latin words, meaning to imagine, to think, and to do,respectively, are all on the newly designed University of Memphisseal.
With everything that has taken place at The U of M, includingimprovements to several locations on campus and the openings of newbuildings, cambiare (to change), should be added to the seal aswell.
"An exciting new tradition" can also be placed on the list ofchanges, said U of M president Shirley Raines. On the first day ofclasses, freshmen had the chance to be formally welcomed to TheUniversity by attending the first ever freshmen convocation.
The two-hour ceremony, which was held in the main gymnasium inthe Elma Roane Field House, was complete with Pouncer, thecheerleaders, a step-show performed by The University's chapter ofPhi Beta Sigma and several encouraging words from administratorsand current and former U of M students.
The recurring message that resonated throughout the program fromspeakers was to take advantage of opportunities around them.
Laura Pevahouse, the 2002-2003 president of the StudentGovernment Association, challenged the class of 2007 to accept allThe U of M has to offer.
Judge Holly Kirby, who graduated from The U of M with degrees inlaw and engineering, advised freshmen to "pile up everything asmuch as you can and you will not regret it."
Other notable graduates from The University who were not presentat the ceremony but were recognized were former basketball playerElliot Perry, who earned a degree in business administration andnow plays for the Memphis Grizzlies, and best selling author EricJerome Dickey, who earned his degree in computer science.
Freshman David Jackson who hopes to study with The University'spre-law program said the ceremony made him feel a part of TheUniversity.
"It made me really want to work hard, study... and stay out oftrouble," he said.
The program also included the students learning the alma matersong and reciting the school motto.
Near the end of the program, the students were asked to open theenvelopes they received before the program and remove the tasselinside. The students were told to put the tassel in a place thatwould remind them of their goals.
Wilder Tower was officially dedicated the same evening, afterthe convocation. John S. Wilder, Tennessee legislator and thebuilding's namesake, was the guest of honor.
In announcing the dedication, Raines said the veteran lawmakeris a friend of The University of Memphis and a friend of educationthroughout Tennessee.
"Because of that, it is very appropriate that this building,which will be of great benefit to students at The University ofMemphis, be named in honor of John Wilder," Raines said.
The state funding for Wilder Tower was obtained partly throughthe efforts of Wilder, 82, the longest serving current presidingofficial of any state or national legislative body in the UnitedStates.
