Freshman Convocation kicks off the 2026 fall semester
By Lara Shayeb | Staff writer
The Augusta University Class of 2030 gathered for the annual freshman convocation on Monday morning, Aug. 17, at the Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre.
As the school year begins, the Class of 2030 was introduced to a formula of success by AU Provost Maggy Tomova. The year 2030 has a unique mathematical feature. It can be factored into exactly four unique prime numbers: 2 x 5 x 7 x 29.
Dr. Tomova encouraged students to be proactive through the unique formula:
Develop two career plans.
Attend at least five events.
Focus on growth seven days of the week.
In the twenty-nine weeks of the academic year, meet a new person each week.
AU President Russell T. Keen urged the freshmen to ignite the light within themselves and carry that light into their day-to-day lives. In the darkened theater, Keen asked students to pull out their cellphones and turn on their flashlights, symbolizing the collective brightness of the Class of 2030.
Following the symbolic moment, AU First Lady Karen Keen brightened the mood by sharing personal excerpts from her past. The message centered on the simple saying, “Don’t be shy if you want a piece of pie.”
Keen, a former elementary school teacher encouraged students to not sit idly as their first year of college goes by and to take advantage of all opportunities.
One of the most exciting moments was when the deans of each college presented freshmen with their Class of 2030 pins. AU class pins symbolize academic excellence and community, and will be worn again at graduation years later.
Following the ceremony, the Class of 2030 assembled outside for the class photo in the blazing August heat and then enjoyed a complementary lunch in the JSAC Williams Ballroom where students got to talk and form new connections.
Note: AU President Russell T. Keen and First Lady Karen Keen ask students to turn on their cellphone lights during the ceremony. (photo by Lara Shayeb/the Bell Ringer)
Contact Lara Shayeb at lshayeb@augusta.edu.
