Tate Walden/ The Johnsonian
When someone thinks about traditions, sitting on a gym floor may not be the first thing that pops to mind. However, that is where the 134th freshman class in Winthrop’s history found themselves on the morning of Monday, Aug. 19 before convocation for the “Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle” event in the West Center.
The event was hosted by the Student Alumni Council. Members of the council greeted freshmen as they entered the building and spread out across the floor. Each freshman was given a copy of “The Garnet & Gold: Treasures and Traditions of Winthrop University 2019,” a book filled with information regarding the history, past and current traditions and symbols of the university.
Nearly 1,100 freshmen sat in the West Center as the event began with a giant group photo of everyone. Various different members of the council spoke to the group on upcoming events hosted by them. One that they mentioned was Homecoming and Reunion Weekend which will be taking place this year from Nov. 11 – 16. Another event mentioned was the Ghost Tours, which takes a look at various spooky legends across campus, coming Oct. 29. The council representatives also taught the incoming class Winthrop’s spirit chant, which consists of a series of counted claps ended with a final clap as the chanter exclaims, “Winthrop!”
The main activity of the event was a giant game of Four Corners based on questions about the history and traditions of Winthrop. The four different corners were dubbed Garnet, Big Stuff, Gold and Spirit Check. The entirety of the freshman class played through several rounds of the game, with those who picked the wrong answers having to sit back down. When the majority of the class of 2023 was seated, the council allowed the first 10 remaining standing students who made it to the front of the gym compete as finalists. These finalists were asked to name events that take place during Homecoming Week in order to win prizes. The seated freshmen were made to do spirit checks between each answer. The eventual winner was not named nor was it specified what rewards were given out.
The event closed with the council providing information about where Convocation was going to take place as well as providing information on where students are to park. As the freshmen left the West Center, they were given their Blue Line T-shirts for Convocation. Unfortunately, some sizes of the shirt were out by the time the last students reached the tables holding the shirts. This led to some freshmen receiving shirts one or two sizes bigger than what they would typically get.
Freshmen responses to the event were mixed. Many students said the event was fun and an interesting way to learn about the place they now call home. Others thought it could use some improvements, such as activities that had more student involvement other than just moving across the floor. One critique about the Four Corners game was made by freshman Laurel Lampey, who said that it was “like there was way too many people to be doing that activity.” The sheer size of the class made it difficult to get to your chosen answer or even hear the questions over the conversations between your fellow freshmen.
Despite these negatives, the event mostly received positive responses from the freshmen class as they prepared to officially join Winthrop University through convocation.
