George Mason University's Class of 2022, at 3,700 students the largest incoming class in school history, made their way to EagleBank Arena on Friday, Aug. 24, for their New Student Convocation.
Photographer Lathan Goumas was there, as well.
The Green Machine, considered the nation's top pep band, set an upbeat tone as the students entered the building.
"Patriot Pride" was sung by the Patriot Quartet (left to right) Nancy-Jane McClain, Ross Hedlund, Andrew Naioti and Joi Harper.
Mason President Ángel Cabrera presented students with his top-10 best pieces of advice. He also showed off his technology skills by explaining to students how to use their phones to call their moms ... once a week.
Student body president Bekah Pettine, a senior majoring in government and international politics, encouraged her fellow students to get involved on campus and take charge of their futures.
Despite a few PowerPoint problems that she rolled with gracefully, professor Angela Hattery, director of Women and Gender Studies, gave a passionate presentation that stressed the benefits of learning and cultivating relationships in a diverse environment.
The Green Machine kept things rocking with multiple renditions of the "Mason Fight Song," and a playlist that kept the crowd cheering.