Savannah State University's incoming first-year class gathered in the Tiger Arena Friday morning for a special induction ceremony.
The president of Savannah State, Kimberly Ballard-Washington, said today is an opportunity to welcome all new students to the campus, where they will officially become tigers.
She said their first pinning ceremony is a unique experience, unlike many other orientation programs, and they will get a second pin when they complete their studies.
"Four years from now, they will be pinned by the alumni association because they will have made it through and going through the other side as they become members of the thousands of alumni that this university has presented in its 133 years," Ballard-Washington said.
The event was also unique in that there was a moment when the lights dimmed, and students ignited candles, passing the flame from one person to the next as a symbol of unity in the dark.
Savannah State alum Mayor Van Johnson also took the stage to give a few words of encouragement to the students.
He said the class of 2026 is making their family proud by pursuing higher education and taking advantage of the opportunity to attend an HBCU.
"You are the hope and the dream of the slave," Johnson said. "People will pray for you, and they don't even know your name, but they just pray that one day someone who looks like them will have the opportunity to go to college."
Freshman Jinorri Wilson traveled from his home of Jamaica to attend Savannah State and was asked to accept the charge for his class, inspiring them with a few words.
He said he was proud to be offered the role and hoped his fellow students took what he had to say to heart.
"I was, you know, willing to accept it because I am always trying to be prepared to take on responsibilities that will help others and help the institution, so when I was given it, I was happy. I was glad."
Ballard-Washington said she hopes participants take away that they are now part of a family that strives together for every student's success.
Savannah State officials said they are glad to welcome the latest class of students to campus and will continue to prepare them for classes that start on Monday.