Benedict College holds Fall Convocation, welcomes largest freshmen class in 7 years

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) –This year’s Fall Convocation for Benedict College marks the school’s 156th anniversary — welcoming the return of students and faculty to campus, including this year’s freshmen class of over 600 new Tigers.

“They have chosen wisely. We always make a habit to invite another historically Black college president to greet our freshmen. That’s in an effort to demonstrate community in the HBCU community. We certainly respect and appreciate one another, and this year we outdid ourselves by having none other than Henry Tisdale, the former president of Claflin University,” says Benedict President, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis.

“Well this is very special for me to be on the campus of one of our historic Black campuses and colleges, to help them celebrate excellence. To help them encourage students to get off to a great start,” says Dr. Tisdale, President Emeritus of Claflin University.

Tisdale served as this year’s keynote speaker for the ceremony.  “They belong. They can do it. And we expect them to be the next generation of visionary leaders,” he says to new and returning students.

According to President Clark Artis, the incoming freshmen class is the largest in seven years.

“I would say do your very best. Engage. It is not cliché to say you get out of college what you put in. Embrace the experience, participate fully, and you will see that you will exit the best of BC,” she says.

Arzavian Roberts is a senior and member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Speaking to freshmen, he says everyone at Benedict is there for support and to show love.

“Just stand out, just be yourself. Don’t be like anyone else. Just be yourself. That’s the key, just to be yourself, and stay on track,” he says.

This year’s ceremony was held at Second Nazareth Baptist Church while the Antisdel Chapel on campus is being renovated.