More than 6,000 new first-year, transfer and graduate students gathered in the Dean E. Smith Center on Aug. 17 to celebrate their new start at Carolina.
Chancellor Lee H. Roberts helped make introductions between the new Tar Heels – sharing facts ranging from common jobs and career aspirations to even the most common birthday in the class. While he shared details the class may already know, his speech also highlighted the change happening around campus and the world.
“None of us knows exactly what the future holds,” he said. “But that’s the beauty of college: There is so much to learn and discover, and this University will give you the time and the space to do that.”
Keynote speaker Tyler Hansbrough ’09, one of the most decorated and accomplished players in college basketball history, shared what it means to be a Tar Heel: becoming a part of a family “that extends far beyond Franklin Street.” He emphasized the power of Tar Heel connections, and the importance of lifting up others through mentorship and contributing to the success of the Carolina community.
Other speakers included Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Jim Dean, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Amy Johnson, Senior Class President Rotimi Kukoyi and Student Body President Adolfo Alvarez. The event also featured a welcome video with greetings from staff and faculty.
The ceremony ended with the reveal of the Class of 2029 logo, and a rendition of “Hark the Sound” from Tar Heel Voices. Students left the arena bound for FallFest, which was held for the first time in Kenan Stadium.
