Approximately 6,200 freshmen of the record-setting 7,650 Class of 2009 filled Assembly Hall yesterday afternoon for the New Student Convocation. The University Brass Quintet played the opening song as University faculty, professors and staff entered the hall. Flashes of orange dotted the crowds as some students donned their complimentary orange T-shirts provided by the Office of the Chancellor.

Ally Hess, sophomore in LAS and I-Guide, greeted the freshmen as they entered Assembly Hall.

“(My convocation) was kind of boring, kind of long, but that’s how it is,” she said.

Hess said the best advice she has for the incoming class is not to focus on partying right away.

“There’s so much time to do things,” Hess said. “Don’t cram it all in the first week.”

Andrea Dobek, freshman in FAA, said she didn’t know what to expect out of convocation.

“I’ve heard a lot about the song the professors sing,” Dobeck said, referring to “Hail to the Orange,” the University’s Alma Mater.

Andrew Holt, freshman in FAA, said he didn’t have any expectations for convocation, but was anxious for classes to begin.

“I just want classes to start to get on with life,” Holt said.

In his greeting, Chancellor Richard Herman focused on freshmen getting on with life on campus and beginning their college careers. Herman used his own academic and life experiences to advise the new students on dealing with the challenges of living in a small world that is getting smaller.

“You are wise beyond your years, and the world will be better for your wisdom,” Herman said.

Brooke Hurst, freshman in LAS, said she was impressed by the speeches she heard at the convocation and was excited to see Assembly Hall filled with fellow freshmen.

“I thought it was really cool,” Hurst said. “I just thought we’d get to see the faculty.”

Rajmohan Gandhi, visiting professor in South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, gave the convocation address, “Sidetracks Become Highways.” He complemented his speech with a slide show, which included a clip of an Illini basketball game from last season, causing the hall to erupt in cheering.

Gandhi referenced historical events he has witnessed throughout his lifetime, including the assassination of his grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi.

Rajmohan Ghandi also has written many biographies, a theme he wove throughout his speech.

“You are resilient, you will adapt, which will help shape your biographies,” he said, “I wish you the best of luck as you add new chapters to your own exciting biographies.”

David Zola, professor in the department of educational psychology for the past 28 years, said he attends the freshman convocation every year and described this year’s convocation as wonderful. He praised both Gandhi’s speech and Herman’s greeting.

“What Professor Gandhi did today was give key insights into life with relevant humor,” Zola said. “The advice that he gave them was profound.”

Sharon Michalove, associate director of undergraduate studies in history, said she has attended every freshman convocation except one since she began working at the University 29 years ago.

Michalove said that she is always impressed by the convocation address speaker.

“No matter who they get and what subject they do, they all rise to the occasion,” Michalove said.

After being welcomed to the University, the freshmen joined the faculty and staff in singing “Hail to the Orange,” a song that many freshmen will continue to sing for years to come.