More than 200 freshmen and transfer students were welcomed to Eastern Friday morning during the traditional convocation ceremony in Lantz Arena.

Cameron Craig, professor of the geology/geography department, spoke as the Faculty Laureate and encouraged students to grasp the moments given to them at Eastern.

Within his speech, Craig asked every student to stand up and introduce themselves to the people around them.

“Everyone is feeling more relaxed now, feeling like you belong, that feeling is EIU,” Craig said.

Craig spoke about the five ideas that make a person: dedication, diversity, creativity, connection and reflection.

“Take advantage of the opportunity’s you have, and never stop asking questions,” Craig said. “Get involved with your future.”

Kim Mook, director of New Student Programs, was pleased with the welcome address from Craig.

“Professor Craig did a great job with his opening remarks,” Mook said. It’s always a nice way to start the weekend.”

Blair Lord, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, spoke on behalf of Keith Spear.

Spear was nominated in April, alongside Craig, as Faculty Laureate for the 2010-11 academic year; however, Spear died on April 28 after being diagnosed with cancer. He taught at Eastern for 15 years.

“Spear had a way of making his students truly believe what he was teaching was important,” Lord said.

Lord also read pieces from the nomination letters students and colleagues wrote to the Council on Academic Affairs for the faculty laureate position.

While reading a student letter, Lord said, “Professor Spear had the most positive impact on my life while being at Eastern, he is a mentor, not just a teacher.”

Lord also read a paraphrased excerpt from Spear’s essay, “Education in the Forest: Leafy Vision of Liberal Arts.”

Spear’s wife, Karen Hart, an instructor in the School of Family and Consumer Sciences, accepted the award on his behalf.

President William Perry also spoke to the new students.

The Eastern community expects excellence from the students and the students should expect nothing less of themselves, Perry said.

Perry said Eastern is a place where the whole person is created, a balanced figure.

After Convocation, Prowl members escorted the students to talks within their colleges led by the deans.

Kayleigh can be reached at

581-7942 or at [email protected].