Odyssey Convocation for new students set for Aug. 13 at Troy University

Troy University will welcome new students on Sunday, Aug. 13 with the Odyssey Convocation inside Trojan Arena on the Troy Campus.

The convocation will serve as the culminating event for Move-In Weekend and will start with a reception in the rotunda of Trojan Arena beginning at 1:30 p.m. followed by the event at 2:45 p.m. Fall semester classes on the Troy Campus will begin Wednesday, August 16.

“The Odyssey Convocation is a significant event in the life of Troy University because it signals the beginning of a student’s TROY journey,” said Herb Reeves, Dean of Student Services. “It is symbolic that their journey will begin and end in Trojan Arena – with the convocation serving as the starting point and commencement celebrating the completion of their course of study.”

Sorrel College alumnus Wesley Swanzy takes the oath of office as Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer of the U.S. Department Agriculture. (submitted) — Sorrel College alumnus Wesley Swanzy takes the oath of office as Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer of the U.S. Department Agriculture. Swanzy will deliver the keynote address during this year’s Odyssey Convocation for new students on Aug. 13. (submitted)

The event will include a keynote address by Troy University alumnus Wesley Swanzy. The Goshen native and 2012 graduate of TROY’s Sorrell College of Business was appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

An Air Force veteran commissioned out of TROY’s Detachment 017, he had spent the three previous years in finance on Wall Street and completed his MBA at New York’s Columbia University Business School. A former active-duty Air Force Finance Officer and current Reservist, Swanzy has spent more than 10 years leading Airman in South Korea, the Middle East, and the Pentagon.

In his final assignment on active duty, Swanzy served as the Executive Officer to the Director of Budget Investment, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management, and Comptroller. In his reservist role, Swanzy serves as a Congressional Liaison under the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management, and Comptroller at the Pentagon and holds the rank of Major.

Swanzy’s journey at TROY began through the TRIO program and he became an active part of the campus community. He served as a Student Government Association Supreme Court Justice, was a residential advisor, was involved Circle K and was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

The new student convocation will also include a welcome and introductions from Dr. Hal Fulmer, Dean of Undergraduate and First-Year Studies; greetings from Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; remarks from TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.; remarks from SGA President Theo Thoenes; and the traditional lighting of the Odyssey flame featuring academic deans and students from each of TROY’s five colleges. The Sound of the South Marching Band and Tori Lee Averett will perform the Troy University Alma Mater, and Averett, along with head football Coach Jon Sumrall, will lead the group in the singing of the TROY Fight Song, accompanied by the band.