Turner College Accounting Student Handglin Dawkins Featured at 2023 First-Year Convocation

More than 275 first-year and current students, faculty and staff packed Columbus State University’s Davidson Auditorium on Thursday, Aug. 17 for its First-Year Convocation. Now in its 19th year, the annual gathering provided a special welcome to students comprising the university’s Class of 2027. “Starting college is an incredible milestone, and our annual First-Year Convocation is our way of rolling out the red carpet to our newest Columbus State Cougars,” said the First-Year Experience program’s director, Melody Shumaker. “Our convocation allows new students to meet the people and learn about the programs that will make up their college experience. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn what Columbus State is all about.” Shumaker emphasized that the event isn’t just for the freshmen, but for all students who are entering their first year of studies at Columbus State — including dual-enrolled high school students and transfer students. And, since getting the inside scoop on college life is the convocation’s primary purpose, the highlight of the annual event is often learning the dos and don’ts from current CSU students. This year’s convocation included a panel discussion featuring upperclassmen, moderated by the Honors College’s dean Cindy Ticknor, and spanning topics from getting involved and managing your time to maximizing every college class and allowing yourself to fail sometimes. “Getting involved is super-duper important,” panelist and senior accounting major Handglin Dawkins (pictured, seated, right) from Conyers, Georgia, stressed. “And it doesn’t even have to be going to events. I love going to the [Student Recreation Center] or one of the local rivers or parks — it’s nice to take a break from my studies and get some school-life balance.” As part of the convocation program, students were introduced to the Tower Traditions program. As “Tradition Keepers,” Columbus State students can track their campus involvement as they participate in various campus traditions. Upon completing 45 of the 58 available traditions — which range from taking photos with their orientation leader, Cody the Cougar and the university president, to attending specific activities and events — students receive a special “Tradition Keepers” medal they can wear with their cap and gown at commencement.