Article By Autumn Siebold

When writing her Graduate Student Convocation speech, Rebecca ‘Becca’ Kiriazes didn’t think of inspirational quotes or the secrets to academic success. Instead, she thought of the “Tonight Show.”

“My best friend spoke at her college’s graduation last year, and she based her speech on a Jimmy Fallon sketch,” said Kiriazes, a second-year Ph.D. student in Civil and Environmental Engineering. “When I heard about the convocation speaker opportunity, I thought I’d try doing the same. So, my speech is based on Jimmy Fallon’s Pros and Cons Skit. I want to pump people up and get them excited for where they’re going to go at Tech.”

You can find out what those pros and cons are when Kiriazes delivers her speech at Graduate Student Convocation on Aug. 23 from 4-5 p.m. in the Ferst Center for the Arts. (Doors open at 3 p.m.)  

The convocation, which is specifically for grad students who are new to Tech, is a chance to celebrate the beginning of the academic year, learn about Tech traditions, hear advice for success, and more. It is one of two Graduate Student Welcome events that will be held on Aug. 23.

“I attended convocation last year, and it was a great event to start my grad school journey,” Kiriazes said. “It’s not just undergrad again, it’s a whole new thing. Even if you’ve gotten your undergraduate degree here and assume you know everything about Tech, going to convocation is the best way to start again and meet new people.”

Following the convocation, the Graduate Picnic, which is open to all grad students and their families, will take place from 5-8 p.m. on Tech Green. Guests will be treated to free food and games, and will have a chance to get to know other grad students from across campus.

Current grad students are also needed to serve as volunteers at the picnic. All student volunteers will receive priority access to giveaways and food at the picnic, and an $8 food voucher redeemable at any food location on campus (valid for one week). To sign up, complete the form at http://bit.ly/2OUnGbW.

To avoid lines, be sure to reserve your tickets that will allow you to attend one or both of the events now at https://gatech.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1548&p=1. (Note that your GT email ID is required.)

For more information about the Graduate Student Welcome events, visit specialevents.gatech.edu.