New Student Convocation

This is where your collegiate journey begins!

New Student Convocation is the official academic welcome for first-year students and marks your entrance into the University of è�� at Lafayette. As a new UL Lafayette student, you will have the chance to learn about opportunities awaiting you in your college. At Convocation, students, administrators, and faculty will share their own experiences and advice — about making the most of your time at UL Lafayette, finding your people, and making your mark.

2025 New Student Convocation

Welcome, Class of 2029! All incoming first-year UL Lafayette students are required to attend New Student Convocation. Convocation will be on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 9:30am in the Cajundome. Doors will open at 9:00am and FREE grab-and-geaux food and drinks will be available for students. Please bring your CAJUN CARD; students will swipe their Cajun Card as they enter the Cajundome.

Parking: Students are encouraged to park at Cajun Field and cross Cajundome Blvd. via the pedestrian tunnel. Shuttle transportation from campus will also be available for students who do not have access to transportation. The shuttle will pick up and drop off in front of the Student Union on McKinley Street.

Attire: Students are to wear their red t-shirt received at Orientation.

Clear Bag Policy: There is a clear bag policy in place at the Cajundome, please plan accordingly.

Class Photo: After the Convocation Ceremony, students will participate in the Class of 2029 class photo.

Meet the 2025 Convocation Speakers

	Syed Jasim Reza Ali (Emcee) Major: Mechanical Engineering Hometown: Lafayette, LA High School Attended: Lafayette High School Classification: Graduating Senior Career Aspirations: System Integration Engineer Fun Fact: I am moving to Colorado for work right after graduation.
	Tafari Beard (Student Speaker) Major: Moving Image Arts Hometown: Zachary, LA High School Attended: Zachary High School Classification: Junior Career Aspirations: Owner of film production company and Film Producer Fun Fact: I have a film on Amazon Prime Video!
	Katelyn Bedwell (Student Speaker) Major: Nursing Hometown: Youngsville, LA High School Attended: Vermilion Catholic High School Classification: Graduating Senior Career Aspirations: Burn ICU Registered Nurse Fun Fact: I am a third-generation female student at UL and the third person in my family to graduate from the UL Nursing Program.
	Seth Benton (Student Speaker) Major: Strategic Communication with a concentration in Organizational Communication, minor in Political Science Hometown: Alexandria, LA High School Attended: Holy Savior Menard Central High School Classification: Graduating Senior Career Aspirations: I aspire to pursue a career in higher education with a focus in student affairs Fun Fact: I recently ran my first half marathon and can't wait to take on the challenge of running a full marathon!
	Jasmine Broussard (Emcee) Major: Business Management Hometown: Kaplan, LA High School Attended: Kaplan High School Classification: Senior Career Aspirations: I aspire to become a Senior Project Management in the tech industry Fun Fact: I've been passionate about dance for most of my life and had the privilege of being a dedicated member of the Infinity Dance Group throughout my undergraduate years.
	Terriona Hopkins (Student Speaker) Major: Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science, Pre-Professional Studies Hometown: Lake Charles, LA High School Attended: LaGrange High School Classification: Senior Career Aspirations: Physical Therapist/Serial Entrepreneur Fun Fact: I own a hair business called 'Polishing Your Crown'
	Izamary Lara (Student Speaker) Major: Chemistry Hometown: Lafayette, LA High School Attended: Lafayette High School Classification: Senior Career Aspirations: I want to become a Medicinal Chemist and go into research to create cheaper and better alternatives to medications. Fun Fact: I've worked with Imagination Movers as a background vocalist for Disney
	Samantha Watson (Student Speaker) Major: Chemistry Hometown: Converse, LA High School Attended: Converse High School Classification: Senior Career Aspirations: Analytical Chemist Fun Fact: I share a birthday with my grandmother
	Ava Welborn (Moderator) Major: Hospitality Management Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA High School Attended: St. Joseph's Academy Classification: Senior Career Aspirations: Event Planning in è�� Education Fun Fact: I have been to four out of seven continents!