Convocation unites the Class of 2026

The President's Convocation for New Students, held in the Avron B. Fogelman Arena in the Devlin Fieldhouse on the uptown campus on Thursday, Aug. 18, featured some of the best of Tulane traditions: inspiring remarks from university leaders, crowd-hyping performances from the Tulane University Marching Band, second-lines and a proud Tulane community welcoming the new class. (To read more about this year's Convocation, click here). 

(Photos by Rusty Costanza) 

Dr. Michael White (center) and the Original Liberty Brass Band lead the procession to the stage.
Dr. Michael White (center) and the Original Liberty Brass Band lead the procession to the stage.
Students pack the arena to take part in Convocation.
Students pack the arena to take part in Convocation.
Tulane President Michael Fitts, surrounded by deans of the schools and other administrators, speaks to the Class of 2026.
Tulane President Michael Fitts, surrounded by deans of the schools and other administrators, speaks to the Class of 2026.
Cheerful students listen in to university leader remarks.
Cheerful students listen in to President Fitts and university leaders' remarks.
Students take a selfie while holding their new Convocation umbrellas. Students are encouraged to adorn the umbrellas with memorabilia during their time at Tulane.
Students take a selfie while holding their new Convocation umbrellas. Students are encouraged to adorn the umbrellas with memorabilia during their time at Tulane.
President Fitts fist bumps students while second-lining following the Convocation ceremony.
President Fitts fist bumps students while second-lining following the Convocation ceremony.
 Thomas LaVeist, dean of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, stops during the second-line to take a quick selfie with the new class.
Thomas LaVeist, dean of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, stops during the second-line to take a quick selfie with members of the new class.
Wave Leaders cheer on the new students as they walk down out of the arena and down McAlister Way.
Wave Leaders cheer on the new students as they walk out of the arena and down McAlister Way.
New students walk down McAlister Way with their Convocation umbrellas in tow.
New students walk down McAlister Way with their new Convocation umbrellas in tow.