First-year students and transfer students gathered in the Amon G. Carter Stadium to attend the Chancellor’s Assembly for the first time since the pandemic halted all in-person gatherings.
Speeches from the administration echoed throughout the stadium as students listened intently from the stands. Chancellor Victor Boschini spoke of his optimism for the class of 2025 in starting a new chapter of their lives at TCU.
“You are the largest and the smartest class in the history of Texas Christian University,” Boschini said. “During your time at TCU, I encourage you to meet someone different from yourself, ask questions during conversations that you might not otherwise. Get to know people and be curious about their stories. Take the initiative to meet your faculty and staff. The fact is that they care about your success, they want to be part of your TCU experience.”
Avery Leeper, a first-year kinesiology major, already felt welcomed on campus because of TCU’s inviting atmosphere.
“I chose TCU because it’s the feeling of home whenever you walk on campus and feeling like a community. I love the people here,” Leeper said.
To help new students adjust to college life, Frogs First put on a weekend of activities before the semester started. Kathy Cavins-Tull, vice chancellor for student affairs, drove home the message that all students should be proud to be Horned Frogs.
“Before you’re a member of a sports team or the honors program or a greek organization, you’re a Horned Frog and forever you’ll be a Horned Frog,” said Cavins-Tull. “When it all comes down to it, we’re all Frogs first, which is what this week is all about… Although the closing of Frogs First is tomorrow, it also signals the beginning of a lifelong journey as a Horned Frog.”
Ryan Chudy, a first-year strategic communication major, knew he wanted to be a Horned Frog from the moment he stepped on campus.
“I wanted to come to TCU because it’s such a great place,” said Chudy. “The first time I came here I fell in love with it. The beautiful campus, the nice people, there’s nothing not to like here.”
Student body president Lau’Rent Honeycutt stood before his peers to offer advice on how to reclaim their school experience after the pandemic.
“I know the last few years you guys have been greatly affected. You’ve missed your senior prom, homecoming and last sporting events,” said Honeycutt. “Don’t let this be your story. You have the opportunity to create a new chapter, a chapter where you decide what your future holds. Through whatever happens this year, I hope you fall in love with the school and its community in the same way I have.”
To end the speeches, the chancellor encouraged the new students to meet the faculty, administrators, deans and staff who sat with them in the stands. Boschini explained they are all joining in becoming stewards of the light of knowledge. He then encouraged everyone to illuminate their cell phones to represent the light.
“May you strengthen this community of learners and allow the light of knowledge to forever stand against the darkness,” said the chancellor. “You’re a Horned Frog now and forever.”
After hearing from these influential voices, the newest members of the Horned Frog family cheered as the marching band, TCU Showgirls and cheerleaders performed. With the typical TCU flair, the night came to a close with loud booms and cracks as fireworks lit up the faces sitting in the stands.
