As the new school year begins, many new faces are settling in on campus. The weekend before classes start is always a busy period with many things happening. Students move into their dorms and apartments, became familiar with their roommates and RA’s, attend on-campus events such as Anchors, and say the farewells that they and their families have been dreading all summer.

One event that all freshmen and transfer students were asked to attend was the Medallion Ceremony. This enabled students and their families to unite and learn some of the pride and history behind St. Edward’s.

Dressed in casual business attire, students awaited their official induction. The ceremony itself took place on the afternoon of Aug. 24, in the Recreation and Convocation Center.

President George E. Martin was in attendance to offer words of encouragement and insight into the value of dreams, as well as the necessity and importance of having ambitions and goals to drive students forward in being successful at St. Edward’s.

Welcoming students on behalf of the St. Edward’s faculty and staff, assistant professor of secondary education Steven S.W. Fletcher delivered a heart-warming convocation address explaining the importance of responsibility and character.

This was followed by Director of Campus Ministry, Father Peter Walsh, who gave a special blessing to the incoming SEU class. Faculty and staff then presented each student with a gold medallion, signifying their entry into the “family” of St. Edward’s.

On each medallion, the famous university seal is engraved, and as students listened to the meaning behind the seal, many new Hilltoppers began to understand the distinguished tradition behind their new Alma Mater.

Student Government President, Samantha Mendoza, closed the ceremony. She addressed her newfound peers, spoke of her own experiences when she attended the medallion ceremony her freshman year, emphasizing the honor she will have in wearing it when she graduates in May 2015.

Immediately following the Medallion Ceremony, over 800 students took part in the Legacy Walk. As the school song resonated in the background, students concluded the ceremony by marching through the iconic red doors of the Main Building.

Symbolizing their grand entrance into the university that will mold them into stronger individuals on graduation day, students will depart back through the red doors, ready to “take on their world.”

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