From Lambs to Rams: WSSU freshmen officially join the Ramily
Now, they are Ramily.
The freshman class at Winston-Salem State University was formally inducted into the “Ramily” Aug. 15 during the “Through the Archway” ceremony, which marked the conclusion of Ramdition week.
An annual celebration of Ram Pride, Ramdition brings the university community together for a week of events, activities and school spirit the week before classes begin.
The final day began with freshmen marching in a processional through the school’s historic archway, symbolizing their transition from “lambs” to Rams, as WSSU’s Red Sea of Sound set just the right tone with rhythmic drums and upbeat cadences.
Men in the incoming class wore black pants, white shirts and red ties, while women wore black dresses or combinations of black pants or skirts with white shirts or blouses.
“It was monumental, to say the least,” said Savannah McDaniel from Baltimore, while holding a red rose given to her during the walk. “I enjoyed it. It was really beautiful.”
After exiting the archway, the freshmen walked to the C.E. “Big House” Gaines Center for a brief program featuring a welcome from Chancellor Bonita J. Brown, who challenged them to consider the end of Ramdition as Day One of a “new phase of your life.”
Parents, other relatives and guests watched the event via livestream from three locations on campus.
“Starting today, you will never be the same. Over the next four years, you’re going to grow. You’re going to learn. You’re going to be challenged and you’re going to gain confidence,” Brown told the students. “You’re going to discover gifts you didn’t even know you had. You will meet people who will literally change your life. You will learn things about yourself you could never have imagined.”
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Stevie L. Lawrence II and Vice Provost for Student Success Dr. DeNeia B. Thomas also offered encouraging messages.
Throughout the day, good, lively music permeated the campus. Food trucks offered a variety of cuisine and most students – as well as some of their parents or guardians – could barely contain their excitement.
Shentavia Graham, whose son Mekhi is a freshman, appreciated the symbolism of walking through the archway.
“I like the reasoning behind it – going from dependent to self-sufficient,” she said. “My son wanted to be part of the culture, and he wanted to be in a place where he would be nurtured and evolve as a young man. His aspirations are to work in production or real estate.”
Family friend Kodi Ardrey, who made the short trip from Charlotte with Graham and Mekhi’s grandfather, Bervis Graham, said he was excited Mekhi chose WSSU. Ardrey attended Livingstone College, and his son attends Johnson C. Smith University.
“The CIAA runs in my veins,” Ardrey said. “When Mekhi decided to go to Winston-Salem State, I was like, ‘Yeah!’”
Parents and other visitors said they were impressed by the campus’ tree-filled beauty.
Temeka Ramseur found a shady bench near the archway to escape the August sun after watching niece, Knylah Stockton of Greensboro, participate in the procession.
“This was my first time here,” said Ramseur, who lives in Greensboro. “I never knew this campus was so beautiful. It was amazing, especially with the band playing.”
In the afternoon, during a “Meet the Rams,” event held outside the Gaines Center, freshmen had the opportunity to mingle with Rams players and coaches, as well as members of the cheerleading squad and Red Sea of Sound.
The Rams football team opens the season Aug. 29 at Norfolk State. The home opener kicks off at 8 p.m. Sept. 5 at Bowman Gray Stadium against Mars Hill University.
Ramdition began with freshmen moving into residence halls Aug. 8 and 9, embarking on a week filled with learning about their new home, its academic opportunities and introductions to WSSU social clubs and organizations.
Brown opened the week with a State of the University Address Aug. 11, followed by a chancellor’s welcome reception that evening at Carolina Hall.
Social activities were held each night of Ramdition, culminating with a celebration Aug. 16.
Freshman Niko Davis of Chapel Hill, who will play on the Rams’ basketball team, said Ramdition was a great experience.
“It was awesome,” Davis said. “I think it’s a great tradition. I met a lot of great people. This is a great community, and I think it will be a great place to grow and learn.”
