Utah State welcomes class of 2024 with a “COVID-proof” Luminary
The incoming freshman at Utah State University got a special treat in their connections classes this year. Though COVID-19 restricted most of the usual connections activities, the class of 2024 still had the opportunity to participate in the fifth annual Connections Luminary.
Austin Roundy Normally, connections students begin the Luminary tradition in Dee Glen Smith Spectrum where they receive their lanterns. Connections students would then leave together, behind bagpipes, to the quad and form the shape of an A for Aggies. The students participate in the Scotsman cheer together and drone pictures are taken of the new class. President Noelle Cockett then addresses them and lights the A on top of Old Main blue. Of course, these events would have been much more difficult with social distancing.
According to Lisa Simmons, the director of the Student Orientation and Transition Services, it took all summer to brainstorm and create a meaningful experience for the new students at USU.
“This was a very far-reaching, multi-office, multi-division, complete effort,” Simmons said. “A lot of people have gone above and beyond and put in extra hours to make it happen.”
To make a more meaningful Luminary for the class of 2024, connections students made a time capsule for their future graduation boxes. In the box is a reflections sheet, where, according to Simmons, “they’re reflecting on some things like ‘what do you hope your highlight video will be when you graduate?’ and ‘what are you gonna do in these next four years?’”
Blue lights originally used for commencement were donated by alumni and scattered all around campus. Instead of listening to Noelle Cockett in person, connections students listened to her speech broadcasted Utah Public Radio and participated in the Scotsman and Aggie cheers together across Utah State’s Logan campus.
Austin Roundy Jaedon Johnson, a freshman at USU, explained that, while COVID-19 changed his Connections Luminary, the feeling of unity between students was present.
“I think just being able to shout the chants and the cheers and being able to kind of just feel that unity amongst the students was probably my favorite part,” Johnson said. “I’m super grateful and appreciative to all the faculty, all the deans, all the A-team members, all the student mentors, the advisors, everyone who kind of banded together to make the whole thing run as smoothly as possible, to not only keep us safe but to have us still have fun.”
All the faculty and staff involved with USU connections preserved the freshman experience and provided an incredible moment of unity for the class of 2024 they won’t forget.
Emily White is a junior studying English and broadcast journalism. She is currently serving as the senior writer for the Lifestyles section of the Statesman.
—emily.white@usu.edu