University of Mount Olive Light the Lamp of Learning
MOUNT OLIVE- University of Mount Olive held its opening Convocation Ceremony to welcome the Class of 2015 on Saturday evening August 13. Welcome and greetings were delivered by Dr. Ellen Jordan, vice president of Academic Affairs; Dr. David Hines, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences; Dr. David Dommer, assistant professor of biology; and Sebastian Jackson from the student body. Dr. Philip P. Kerstetter, president, gave the Convocation address. The event was followed by a candle lighting ceremony at the Alumni Crosswalk.
“To the newest members of our College family, the lighting of the candles represents the light of learning, the sharing of our Christian values, and the need for us to be living by our College Covenant,” Kerstetter said. “It also represents your connection with your fellow students, both past and present, and our connection to you.”
Following the lighting of the candles, those in attendance sang the University of Mount Olive Alma Mater.
Kerstetter told students he wanted them to remember the evening because it marks the beginning of their time at University of Mount Olive. “Four years from now, you will march in your academic robes to your graduation through the Alumni Crosswalk. In this fashion, your education journey at University of Mount Olive begins here, and will end here.”
The Alumni Cross Walk symbolizes the College’s past, present, and future. Completed in 2000, the Alumni Cross Walk is made of the actual red bricks from the original school building. The brick walkway is designed in the shape of a Celtic cross symbolizing the College’s Christian heritage. The Nido and Mariana Qubein Garden House is superimposed on the center of the brick walkway sheltering a pedestal containing the cornerstone and bell from the original campus.
University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The College, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park and Washington.
