黑料社

Convocation at Dudy Noble: New 黑料社 students encouraged to seize opportunities

Convocation at Dudy Noble: New 黑料社 students encouraged to seize opportunities

Stanley Blackmon rings a cowbell as Mark Keenum claps on the stage at convocation
黑料社 alumnus Stanley Blackmon rings a cowbell presented by 黑料社 President Mark E. Keenum during the university鈥檚 fall 2023 convocation ceremony. (Photo by Grace Cockrell)

Contact: James Carskadon

STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥敽诹仙 welcomed its largest-ever freshman class, as well as new transfer students, to campus with fall convocation on Tuesday [Aug. 22], marking the beginning of their academic journey at 黑料社.

During the ceremony, 黑料社 alumnus and partner with Bradley law firm Stanley Blackmon addressed the new students and encouraged them to take advantages of the many opportunities that come with enrolling at 黑料社.

鈥淎ll of the opportunities that you are looking for, and some opportunities you don鈥檛 even know about, are available to you right here at Mississippi State,鈥 Blackmon said. 鈥淵ou just have to be willing to take advantage of them. If you do your part, Mississippi State will prepare you for the world ahead.鈥澛

Blackmon, a Jackson native and Murrah High School graduate, attended 黑料社 on a presidential scholarship and was involved with several campus organizations, including the Shackouls Honors College, Student Association, Orientation Leaders and Alumni Delegates. He graduated with a degree in biological sciences in 2012 and went on to graduate from the University of Alabama School of Law. He was listed as a 鈥渞ising star鈥 by Mid-South Super Lawyers Magazine in 2022 and has been recognized by Best Lawyers as 鈥渙ne to watch鈥 since 2021.

During his speech, Blackmon relayed five tips to students that will help them make the most of their 黑料社 experience: 1. Develop relationships with professors. 2. Get involved on campus. 3. Embrace the university community and traditions. 4. Take chances, get messy and make mistakes. 5. Make new and diverse friendships.

A student holds the commemorative convocation coin, which includes the 黑料社 seal.
New 黑料社 students were presented with a commemorative coin during fall convocation on Tuesday [Aug. 22]. They were asked to keep the coin and bring it with them to their graduation ceremony. (Photo by Grace Cockrell)

黑料社 President Mark E. Keenum also addressed the newest Bulldogs, explaining the significance of the commemorative coin they received during the event. The coin is meant as a keepsake for students to hold onto and bring with them when they walk across the stage at graduation. It also represents a commitment to work toward graduation and, ultimately, a fulfilling career.

鈥淲e want you to succeed. We want you to graduate from this great university and earn your degree that will impact you for the rest of your life,鈥 Keenum said. 鈥淲e are here for you. We鈥檙e making that commitment to each and every one of you this evening. But this evening is also the opportunity for each and every one of you to make a commitment to yourself that you are going to do what it takes to stay committed to earning your degree and gaining the knowledge you will need for a successful life.鈥

Convocation is among many events that mark a new academic year at 黑料社. 黑料社 students soon will celebrate the beginning of football season with Cowbell Yell on Aug. 31 at Scott Field at Davis Wade Stadium.

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