Troy University alumnus and U.S. Marine Capt. Morgan Long will deliver the keynote address at the University’s 2025 Odyssey Convocation for new students on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
Hosted by The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, the Senior Vice Chancellors and Deans, the convocation will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Trojan Arena on the Troy Campus.
Odyssey is among the events that kick off the new academic year each year and is symbolic of beginning of new students’ TROY journey. The event will be followed by Trojan Night Out, featuring games and activities for students on Tailgate Terrace. Fall semester classes on the Troy Campus will begin Wednesday, Aug. 13.
Capt. Long, a 2020 TROY graduate with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, sport and tourism management, currently serves as Executive Officer for Marine Corps Recruiting Station Montgomery, a post he has held since January. He commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2020 and was promoted to First Lieutenant in November 2022, serving as Platoon Commander for 1st Platoon, Echo Battery, 2d Battalion 10th Marines.
During his time at TROY, Long was active in the Student Government Association, serving as a senator from 2016-2018, vice president of campus activities from 2018-2019 and president from 2019-2020. He also served as Trojan Ambassador Executive Officer from 2017-2020.
In addition to the keynote address, SGA President Caleb Smith will welcome students and make introductions, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, will deliver remarks and alumnus and Troy Mayor Jason Reeves will bring greetings on behalf of the city. Following the keynote address, the Odyssey flame will be lit during the playing of the University’s Alma Mater. University Activities Council President Jamie Parker will provide closing remarks and TROY football coach Gerad Parker and Troy University IMPACT Leaders will lead the gathering in the singing of the fight song, accompanied by The Sound of the South Marching Band.
TROY students will begin returning to campus Aug. 9-11 during Move-In Weekend. Sorority Bid Day will take place at 10 a.m. on Aug. 9 on Sorority Hill.
Welcome Week activities will begin on Monday, Aug. 11 with a line dancing night in the Trojan Center Ballrooms. With classes beginning on Aug. 13, a First Day of School Photo Booth will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the main academic quad.
The Taste of Troy and a band party will take place on the Square in downtown Troy from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 15.
A full schedule of activities is available on the Welcome Week website.
