On August 22, the University of North Alabama kicked off the school year with its annual Convocation and Big Deal block party. This event celebrated the new freshman and presented everything UNA and the Florence area have to offer. The welcoming ceremony ran from 5:30 until 8 p.m., occupying Court St. and Irvine Ave. for this two-and-a-half hour extravaganza.

This year, the Convocation featured many keynote speakers, including UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts and Provost Byron Smith to celebrate fresh starts, opportunities and the sense of community found throughout Florence. These speakers from a variety of different backgrounds highlighted the importance of the transition into higher education and personal development for the freshmen during their time at UNA.

In closing the Convocation, UNA Hypeman Brody Gravitt directed students toward Irvine Ave. and Court St. to kick off the Big Deal block party.

The Big Deal brought these opportunities together to display all organizations available around campus and in the community. While students checked out what UNA had to offer, food, drinks and music were supplemented to start the semester with a bang.

Clubs, student resources, Greek life and various academic departments each had tables set up to connect with the students in preparation for the upcoming semester. While these booths gave free handouts to these new students, they were also informing the students about their department’s job and roles at UNA.

On top of the various clubs and resources UNA has to offer, many local businesses and churches also came to celebrate the new members of the Florence community. These businesses offered free samples, t-shirts and can koozies, and they hosted giveaways for all UNA students. 

These different organizations hope to foster a sense of community around campus while humanizing the tools and resources available to students, new and old.