OSU holds convocation, Hargis challenges new students to achieve academic success

Friday, August 20, 2010

Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis told incoming students they were entering a special place during the first New Student Convocation at Gallagher-Iba Arena Friday.

"Many successful OSU alum have walked the same paths you will walk," he said. "I encourage you to be involved and persistent in pursuing your dreams." 

Like the men and women who participated in the land run and helped settle Oklahoma, Hargis said, "Monday the gun sounds for you and you begin the race to claim your reward, your diploma."

Hargis told the group they were one of the best ever academically at OSU.  He said the incoming OSU freshman class of more than 3,400 is the largest since 1982 and the average ACT of the class was an OSU record of a little more than 25.  More than 1,000 of the students in the class have an ACT of 27 or better.

He said OSU has the most freshmen with a 4.0 GPA from high school of any public research university in the state for the second straight year.  A little more than 500 students, or about one in seven from the class, have a 4.0 high school GPA.  Nearly 800 freshmen were in the top 10 percent of their high school class.   

He told the group it is one of the most diverse ever at OSU.  New students come from 44 states and nearly 30 countries.  About 22 percent of the class is made up of Native American, African American, Hispanic, Asian American or international students. 

Hargis spoke about the value of what the students would learn outside the classroom and challenged them to get involved on the campus and in the community. "You will learn leadership skills and serve your fellow man."

The students also heard from new OSU Provost Robert Sternberg and three recent OSU graduates who spoke of the impact their OSU experience had on them.

OSU begins the fall semester Monday.