The 75th Opening Convocation ceremony left a bittersweet feeling on the class of Ogre Phi Ogre XVI.

This annual fall ceremony for the seniors at Hampton stood as a reminder of what lies ahead.

The ceremony for Dr. William R. Harvey’s 40th year as Hampton’s president was remarkable, with words from senior class president Kris Anderson, Harvey and Calvin L. Butts, the keynote speaker and Hampton University alumnus. The inspiring words given by each speaker and the music sung by the Symphonic choir contrib- uted to the momentous celebra- tion of the hard work the seniors have accomplished thus far.
The historical tradition left many of the seniors feeling nostalgic of the start of their journey at Hampton University to now.

“Sitting there in my cap and gown, listening to the speakers made everything feel very surreal. It seems like I was a freshman just yesterday and now I’m here,” Hampton University senior Jessica Branch said.

Butts’ address delved into his time as a student at Hampton and how it impacted his life and the person he is today. Butts’ most honest advice to the seniors was about being present in communicating with others:

“The best advice I can give you is to stop communicating with your fingers.”

This statement hit home for many of the people sitting in Ogden as it was followed by a big applause from the seniors.

While it may seem like many of the graduating seniors’ time at Hampton University is slowly coming to an end, there is much more work to be done and many more memories to be made.

Graduation is eight months away, and although many seniors are looking forward to the momentous day, they are also determined to make the most of their nal months here.

Christopher Bates, Hampton’s Mr. Pirate and Mr. Senior, reflected on his college passage and how the gradual longing to stay is increasing.

“This ceremony put in per- spective that I will soon be an alumni and begin my journey in the real world,” Bates said. “[It’s] such a warm bittersweet feeling just knowing that my time at Hampton University is slowly coming to an end.”