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UNCP's Convocation
2003 welcomes new year
 UNC
Pembroke Convocation speaker Marlon Smith entertained and cajoled an
audience of nearly 1,000 with a healthy dose of motivation.
Convocation, which
is the traditional opening ceremony for the new academic year, was held
Wednesday, September 3 in Givens Performing Arts Center.
Chancellor Allen
C. Meadors welcomed a record class of freshmen (approximately 800),
a record number of transfers (360) and record total enrollment (4700).
In just four years, enrollment has grown 53 percent, Chancellor Meadors
said, and international student enrollment increased from 18 to 60 and
out of state students from 60 to 200.
Many freshmen and
transfer students were in attendance, and Smith spoke directly to UNCP's
newest students.
"There is greatness
in this room," Smith said. "The reason that some people succeed
and others fail is because some people take action, step out of their
comfort zone and reject the fear of failure."
"You will never
achieve greatness unless you move through fear," said the internationally
renowned motivational speaker. "I decided that as long as I'm not
going to die, I am going for it."
 Smith,
who has written several books and founded Success by Choice, Inc., told
the audience of his own college experience as a floundering electrical
engineering student at the University of Virginia. He said focus, time
management, faculty advisement and a little help from friends were the
keys to achieving good grades.
"But grades
don't tell how smart you are," Smith said. "Grades tell how
disciplined you are."
Smith also recommended
students get involved in university life and community service, all
part of getting out of their comfort zone.
Other speakers echoed
Smith's advice. Faculty Chair Tom Dooling advised students "be
prepared for the road ahead." Student Government President Nadean
Hafner urged students to "get involved in university life."
Board of Trustees
Chair Gervais Oxendine offered an invitation to the freshman class.
"You are cordially
invited to your Commencement in May, 2007," he said.
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