On Aug. 19, the class of 2028 had their freshman convocation, a ceremony that symbolizes the start of their Jaguar journey. This year’s event began with the traditional freshman class group photo in front of the Moulton Bell Tower. The photograph captured the collective excitement of the incoming class, signifying the beginning of their new phases of life and setting the stage for their upcoming years at South Alabama.

The ceremony takes place annually in the Mitchell Center, the building in which pivotal moments in a student’s academic journey happen, holding the beginning and end of their college careers as a Jag. The event was a showcase of the campus community, featuring appearances from various student organizations and Greek life members. The USA Southerners, Student Government Association, USA cheerleaders, Prowlers, Jaguar Marching Band, many sports teams, faculty and staff and more made appearances in the stands.

Sophomore Sydnee Cantley, the 2024-2025 Student-at-Large, was chosen to give a speech at this year’s freshman convocation. “Truly, it was an honor to be able to share my personal experiences with the hope to motivate and truly inspire the incoming freshmen,” said Cantley. “Starting college can be very scary, but also a very exciting experience. A positive story with good motivation can go a long way. It was an honor to give that to the class of 2028.” 

“Even though your college experience will be filled with so many great accomplishments and fun memories that there can be setbacks and tribulations, but whenever those setbacks happen, just know that everything happens for a reason,” said Cantley. “Those experiences are helping you grow into a bigger and better person. Those bumps in the road don’t define you. Let them build you into the strong, intelligent and driven person that you are meant to be.”

As the convocation ceremony wrapped up, the freshmen received a surprise appearance from Grammy Award-winning rapper, Young MC, performing his iconic 1989 hit, “Bust a Move,” with a meet and greet at the Moulton Bell Tower afterward. The choice of Young MC was a nod to the JagTran slogan “Bus Ta Move,” often spotted taking students to their classes during the day. This connection mirrors the 2022 freshman convocation ceremony, where DJ Cupid performed the popular “Cupid Shuffle,” aligning with the JagTran slogan “Cupid Shuttle.” Both appearances show South’s creative approach in linking their JagTran themes with pop culture, making these convocations uniquely memorable for the incoming students.

Following convocation, the Mobile Townhouse hosted an open house session, providing a setting for students to acclimate further to their new environment. Orientation leaders were on hand to offer any missed orientation materials, answer questions, and provide guidance as students navigated their way around. A Jefe Paletas popsicle stand was stationed at the Townhouse, offering students a refreshing break while mingling with peers and staff. This post-convocation event helped solidify connections made during convocation and ensured that students felt prepared and supported as they started their journey as a South Alabama Jaguar.