Troy University lit the torch at the annual Odyssey Convocation to signify the beginning of a new academic year and to kick off welcome week.

The deans of each college and students lit the flame as the Sound of the South, majorettes, dance team, cheerleaders and T-Roy showcased the skills they learned during the summer.

TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins encouraged incoming freshmen to get involved and TROY alumna Josie Russell Young gave the keynote address.

“As I was preparing my speech I started tearing up and my husband was like ‘You can’t cry its a motivational speech.'” said Young.

Young graduated from TROY in 2017 and worked alongside HGTV’s Ben and Erin Napier to renovate the city of Wetumpka, Alabama on Hometown Takeover.

Young is grateful to be a role model for incoming students.

“It’s really been something that I’ve missed and wanted to come back to do,” says Young. “It’s been so great to just tour the campus before I came just to see all the changes. I’m truly so excited for these freshman to be able to get started because I know that I wish I could go back and do it all over again.”

For the full story watch Amya’s report.