OXFORD, Ga. - Oxford College of Emory University had its opening convocation on Aug. 23 to mark the official start of the academic year. Dignitaries from Oxford College and Emory University presided over the event through speeches and a candlelight procession attended by Oxford staff and students.

The event was started by a processional and an invocation by Oxford chaplain Lyn Pace, who introduced the dean of Oxford College, Douglas Hicks. Dean Hicks spoke about the new and promoted faculty at the college in various fields of research, and the contributions that they’ve made.

Furthermore, Dean Hicks discussed how Oxford College had the most applicants out of any Liberal Arts school in the nation - approximately 13,000 - making the Oxford class of 2019 the most competitive and credentialed yet.

Emory University president Claire Sterk spoke after Dean Hicks, citing how unique Oxford is in both its faculty and student body. Ben Palmer, president of Oxford College Student Government Association, Michael Elliott, dean of Emory College, Dwight Mcbride, provost of academic affairs, Andrea Hershatter, senior associate dean of Goizueta Business School, and Linda McCauley, dean of Woodruff School of Nursing, also brought forth welcoming remarks during the procession.

After the opening remarks, A musical selection on “One Voice” by Ruth Moody was given by Nina Burris and Mishaal Gardezi, both students of Oxford. The main address for the convocation was given by Oxford professor of history Susan Ashmore, who talked about racism and prejudice in the South concerning both the past and present.

The convocation was wrapped up with the Emory Alma Mater, then a benediction by Lyn Pace and a recessional.

After convocation, Oxford students participated in a candlelight procession through the quad, where sophomore students formed a circle and lit Freshman student’s candles. Oxford College’s candlelight procession parallels Emory University’s candlelight crossover, a ceremony that Emory seniors participate in right before graduating.

The Oxford College class of 2019 and Emory University class of 2021 are 482 students who come from 41 states, the District of Columbia, two U.S. territories, and 21 countries. Together with Oxford’s sophomores, the two classes make up the highest enrollment in Oxford’s history, at 990 students.

Fall semester classes end Dec.5. The final day of the semester is Dec. 16.