New Troy University students began their journey as a Trojan on Sunday during the University’s annual Odyssey Convocation.

The event, which is held annually as the culminating event of Move-In Weekend on the Troy Campus, seeks to encourage and inspire incoming students, while giving them a taste of campus life. The theme of this year’s event was “Welcome Home.”

Troy University alumna Katie Saliba (’13) delivered the keynote address for Sunday’s convocation. Saliba serves Personnel Resources, a staffing, recruiting and management company in Dothan, as a sales representative, meeting with companies to learn and tailor to their unique staffing and administrative needs. She also serves as cohost of “People-ing with Purpose,” a weekly podcast focused on human resources and staffing needs.

Saliba said she arrived at TROY with the commitment to make the most of her college experience.

“In a lot of ways, I arrived at college a lot like the way I am now. I was heavily involved in high school. I made the most out of my high school career and planned to the same thing in college,” she said. “I stand here today as someone who has been in your exact seat – excited to leave the nest, unsure of what lies ahead but hopeful for a fun, fruitful four years of college. I also left Troy much different and much better than when I came.”

Saliba encouraged the incoming students to take advantage of the opportunities TROY provides, but also challenged them to remain focused on the reason they are here.

“While connections are what make the experience fun, you must keep the main thing, the main thing. You came here to get a degree, and the rest is just the sprinkles on top,” she said. “Take advantage of the opportunities here at TROY that will take you to where you want to be. Take time over the next four years to get to know yourself. Find out what you’re good at and work hard on what you are not. Become the most employable college graduate when you get out of here.”

She also encouraged students to challenge themselves during their time at TROY.

“Just do it. Join that organization on campus, run for that office, take that hard class, try out for that thing you’re not good at, take advantage of internships, research opportunities, study abroad programs and all that TROY has to offer,” Saliba said. “This is the most significant time in your life to seize opportunities and challenge yourself.”

In closing, Saliba stressed the importance of community.

“Find your community here. By that I mean find people that pump you up, that help you, motivate you, love you and hug you when your parents aren’t here,” she said. Your circle is important. You will learn on your pathway to success that it really isn’t about you, it is about community. If you rally around your community, they will never stop showing up for you. TROY taught me a lot about community and the lasting impact it can have.

“Life comes at you fast, and I’m grateful to stand before you today and tell you that your very best days are in front of you. As you begin this new chapter, embrace the challenges, celebrate the achievements and never hesitate to ask for help when you need it.”

The convocation also included welcoming remarks from Dr. Hal Fulmer, Associate Provost and Dean of First Year Studies, Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and SGA President Betsy Bennett, along with the traditional lighting of the Odyssey flame that signifies the beginning of the students’ journey. Students and parents were also led in the singing of the Alma Mater by Tori Lee Averett, accompanied by The Sound of the South marching band. The event concluded with the singing of the TROY Fight Song, led by Averett and TROY head football coach Gerad Parker.

A full gallery of photos can be found at https://troyuniversity.photoshelter.com/galleries/C0000zaie40cOldA/G0000KvtHX6v7bTg/20240811-Fall-2024-Odyssey-Convocation.