Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University will host its first convocation for new students to kick off the academic year.

The university community is invited to the inaugural event, from 6 to 6:50 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, at Bramlage Coliseum. Provost April Mason will host the new group of incoming undergraduate students.

"We are excited to formally welcome new students to the Kansas State University family," said Steven Dandaneau, vice provost for undergraduate studies. "We hope to challenge and inspire students at the start of their college journey so they can reach high levels of academic achievement."

Highlights of the program include a taped message from Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, a 1978 alumnus. The event also will introduce students to the university's land-grant history and mission, its aspirations and accomplishments, its Principles of Community values statement, and its honor and integrity system.

Distinguished Young Alumni Award recipients Nick Piper, a 2008 alumnus, and Justine Sterling, a 2007 alumna, will give advice to new students. Sterling has served President George W. Bush in the White House and in his post-presidency, and Piper is the founder and CEO of China-based Phoria Energy Solutions.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to use social media to post convocation-related content using the hashtag #kstatewow. Content will be displayed at http://tagboard.com/KStateWOW.

New students attending the convocation will receive a commemorative T-shirt, 2017 graduation tassel, drawstring bag and water bottle.

The event will follow college, department and residence life activities, and it will precede a picnic dinner and pep rally at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Convocation is part of the university's Week of Welcome, a week of activities to make new students feel at home and welcome back returning students.