Pomp and fun at MavsMeet Convocation
The University of Texas at Arlington energetically welcomed new and returning students, faculty and staff to the new academic year at the MavsMeet Convocation, an annual tradition organized by the Division of Student Affairs.
The University community enjoyed a dynamic lineup of speakers, as well as performances from the UT Arlington Jazz Ensemble, Maverick Marching Band, Mariachi Band, Paso a Paso dance troupe and RISE A Capella.
UTA President Vistasp Karbhari welcomed the audience to the beginning of the new academic year. He encouraged all of the students to stretch beyond what they think is possible in achieving their goals.
Gavin Mitchell, UTA student body president, urged fellow students to get engaged in campus activities and organizations, noting that getting involved can help them make connections, meet new people, discover their passions and find support.
“On your journey, remember that you are capable, you are in control and you are not alone,” Mitchell said. “You have it in you to do amazing, creative, even innovative things. That’s what makes you Mavericks.”
The keynote speaker was NASA aerospace research engineer Wendy Okolo, the first black woman to earn a doctorate in aerospace engineering at UTA. She encouraged students to take advantage of UTA’s offerings by getting involved on campus and learning from others. She also said it was important to practice listening and to have empathy for others.
Okolo shared her personal experiences at UTA, from her time as president of the Society of Women’s Engineering to working as a resident assistant in Kalpana Chawla Hall.
“To my fellow Mavericks, you are the only you here,” she said. “No one else has your perspective, so bring your full self to everything that you do. You are special and different, and we need that.”
After Convocation, a party on the Library Mall featured live music, dancing, free food and fun activities such as zip lining and inflatable obstacles, where participants could make new friends and relax before the semester starts.
“The message I got from Convocation was pride and excitement and that everyone has a story to tell,” UTA sophomore Angelica Perez said. “That personally resonated with me.”