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Alumnus To Help Welcome New Bearkats At Convocation

Aug. 13, 2009

Kozhi Makai The Bearkat class of 2013 will receive their official Sam Houston State University “welcome” on Saturday (Aug. 22) during the First Year Experience’s fifth annual New Student Convocation.

The traditional ceremony, for students and their families, will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.

“The New Student Convocation is a celebration that welcomes new students to campus with just the right balance of formality and entertainment,” said Keri Rogers, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs. “It’s our opportunity to help them get started on the right foot for college.”

During the event, motivational speaker Kozhi Makai will encourage students to make the most of their college experience with a keynote address.

At 28 years old, Makai is the author of award-winning social research, business and self-help books; a professor; adviser and trainer to business executives at Fortune 500 companies; and a social entrepreneur across the globe for causes from Multiple Sclerosis to literacy programs.

Born in Zambia and growing up in Texas, Makai left a flourishing Zambia Basketball Association career as the Pioneers' and National Team starting small forward at 19 in search of "something more."

He began his education at Lone Star College and later transferred to and graduated from SHSU with a degree in speech communication and psychology. Soon after, he completed his master's degree in business communication from Jones International University and his doctorate in applied management and decision sciences from Walden University.

The ceremony, which will last approximately an hour, has a graduation-like atmosphere, with faculty, staff and administration members dressed in caps and gowns and the traditional processions; but students and their families are not required to dress up for the event, according to Rogers.

After the convocation, a dinner and the Recreational Sports department’s Block Party will be held at 7 p.m. at Intramural Field No. 1, across the street from the coliseum.

Students should bring their Sam ID cards in order to participate in the activities.

In addition, shuttles will be available to and from Sam Houston Village and King Hall beginning at 4:45 p.m.

For more information, contact Rogers at krogers@shsu.edu or visit the First Year Experience Web site at http://www.shsu.edu/fye.

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