Thomas Fuller delivered the keynote address for freshmen and first-year transfers at Fall Convocation at the University of Mississippi on Aug. 25. Students and faculty gathered in The Sandy and John Black Pavilion for the event.
Fuller is a Page One correspondent for The New York Times and the author of this year’s common reading experience book, “The Boys of Riverside.” Fuller’s book details the journey of the varsity football team at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside, Calif., and was dubbed the Best Book of 2024 by Amazon.
The author touched on his own hardships while he was a student and his travel experiences. He emphasized the United States’ culture of resilience and the nation’s ability to offer its citizens plentiful educational opportunities.
Fuller, who has visited over 40 countries, marked this attribute as noteworthy.
“I can confidently say that America is the most patient place of all those countries,” Fuller said. “We don’t have a national test that you take once, and that decides the path of your future education and career. We are encouraged to fail, to get up and try again.”
Beyond Fuller, other notable figures from the university spoke at the event. Provost Noel Wilkin started the evening by welcoming everyone and introducing the deans, chancellors and others who contribute to the success of the university.
Chancellor Glenn Boyce was unable to attend, but he made a video welcoming the Class of 2030 and emphasizing the class’ importance to the student body. Boyce also spoke about the commemorative coin, which is given to each class. This year’s coin features Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Associated Student Body President OC Williford also addressed the freshman class. She explained the importance of the UM Creed in her speech.
“The creed is one of the most powerful commitments we make here at the University of Mississippi,” Williford said.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead was the last speaker. She highlighted the high points of freshman year and explained that the Division of Student Affairs exists to help students make the university their home.
Ella SantaCruz, a freshman elementary education major from St. Louis had a positive outlook on Fall Convocation.
“They want us to be more than a school,” SantaCruz said. “They want us to be a community, to feel welcome, because this is the place to find yourself.”
