August 13, 2025

Columbus State University rolled out the red carpet for its newest undergraduate students with an entirely reimagined new-student experience. Friday’s First-Year Student Convocation included new traditions and marked the start of campus events and festivities centered around fun, connection and pride.

Approximately 900 of the university’s Class of 2029 packed the floor of the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center on Friday, Aug. 8, with many of their family members also present to celebrate their students’ college milestone. Among those offering welcomes were Dr. Stuart Rayfield, Columbus State’s president, and Undrell Walker, president of CSU’s Student Government Association president and a senior majoring in health sciences.

“We’re excited that Columbus State’s student body is growing, and we want each of these new CSU students to feel part of the Cougar Family,” Walker said. “Convocation symbolizes that college is so much more than classes and assignments. It’s our chance to build connections, get involved, make our mark, and create lasting memories.”

 

 

Students attending convocation also received an academic cord marking the start of their Columbus State studies. That cord is to be worn again with their graduation cap and gown once they earn their degrees—thereby connecting their first day as a CSU student and their first day as a CSU alumnus.

 

After convocation, this year’s freshman class started a new tradition—patting the bronze cougar statue (pictured) outside the Lumpkin Center for some good fortune. From the statue, students headed to Ragsdale Field for an official group photo and enjoyed an ice cream social. Before and after convocation, students benefited from interactive sessions with their academic success coaches in their area of study, meetups with their college deans, and various information sessions designed to help them prepare for life as a CSU student.

“College is a big step, especially for first-generation college students and students living and studying away from home for the first time. Our first-year experience programs are there to guide students through that transition and to help our families understand how they can support their students throughout their college journey,” said Kimberly Scranage, Columbus State’s chief student experience officer.

Scranage explained that the university launched its new “Cougar Tracks” program in concert with convocation. The program seamlessly guides students from their first day of orientation through graduation by aligning campus resources and student support systems for academic, personal and professional growth. It helps students understand what to expect at every stage of their college journey so they can thrive and succeed.

The fun continues this week as the university’s signature two-week fall semester Cougar Kickoff begins. Events include a Welcome Back Bash, campus picnic, Cougar Gameday Experience, outdoor movie, and information fairs focused on personal wellness, Greek Life, volunteerism and interfaith programs.

Cougar Kickoff events conclude with the College Night at the Clingstones on Aug. 21, whitewater rafting on Aug. 22, and the annual fall Day of Service on Aug. 23. View photos from the 2025 Fall Convocation and other Cougar Kickoff events on the university's Flickr account.

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Main image: Nearly 900 first-time students and members of the Class of 2029 show their school spirit by posing for a paw-shaped class photo on the Ragsdale Field outfield.

Media contact: Michael Tullier, APR, Executive Director of Strategic Communication + Marketing, 706.507.8729, mtullier@columbusstate.edu