Senior year is an exciting time for college students, filled with much to look forward to in the new chapter to come. With final semesters of classes to focus on, choices on careers or post-graduate education awaiting and one last academic year to soak up the university experience, it’s a special and unique phase in college life.

Welcomed by Averett President Dr. Tiffany Franks, 140 Averett seniors, along with their families, faculty and staff, convened to celebrate the milestone and tradition of the Averett Senior Pinning Ceremony on September 29 at the Violet T. Frith Fine Arts Center, in which seniors are presented a pin to mark their achievements.

“What I love so much about this ceremony is it gives you a chance to show appreciation to those who have made an imprint on your lives throughout your college career,” Franks said.

“May the pin you receive in a few moments be a reminder of all that Averett means to you and to the person you will continue to become. May it be a symbol of gratitude for all those who helped make this milestone possible. And may it also be a reminder that you will always be a member of the Averett family and of this special place.”

After a prayer delivered by University Chaplain Rev. Skyler Daniels, and followed by a comical presentation about the next steps in transitioning from students to alumni by Dan Hayes ’92, director of alumni and friend development, Dr. Timothy Fulop, vice president for academic affairs and student success, briefed attendees on the tradition of the ceremony at Averett.

“The senior pinning ceremony is one that has grown in importance, especially as we continue to celebrate over 150 years of continuous operation as an institution of higher education,” he said. “You will leave us in a few months, and we want those months to be marked at their beginning and at their end with a visible token of all you have done to get this far…You have a great deal to celebrate, and we celebrate with you.”

Each student selected a faculty or staff member to personally greet them on stage and apply their pin. Following the ceremony, honored seniors and their guests gathered for a reception at the home of Dr. Franks.