Howard Payne University welcomed more than 320 incoming freshman and approximately 50 transfer students to their annual Jacket Journey orientation last week.  More students continue to register for classes through this week, according to HPU Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Kevin Kirk, which is expected to be the largest incoming class in the past 16 years.

Students participated in small groups, workshops that taught them about what to expect at college, programs available to students, organizations they could join and much more.  Alumni also shared the history of the campus and many traditions to get the new students ready to be a part of the university.

Friday was the official day the new students were ushered into the family of the student body with the annual Chime In tradition.

Dr. Magen Bunyard shared more history of Chime In and Chime Out traditions.

Since 1957, the night before Commencement, HPU graduates participate in a ceremony called Chime Out.  The tradition calls for graduates to hold a chain of garland as they participate in the ceremony.  Each graduate is accompanied by an underclassman during the program.  As the ceremony culminates, the graduates pass the chain of garland to the underclassmen symbolizing the passing of authority, responsibility and privileges to those students who remain on campus to carry on HPU’s traditions.

The Chime In tradition was established in 2001 following the completion of the Wilson Gate and Walkway.  Led by HPU’s president, first lady and Student Government Association president, new students mark their official entrance into the HPU community by passing through the Wilson Gate, proceeding down the Wilson Walkway and passing under the Old Main Tower.  Alumni, faculty, staff and family members line the walkway to pray over and support the new students.  To further bridge the Chime In experience with Chime Out, current students hold strands of garland while accompanying the new students on this symbolic walk.

This year’s Chime In Ceremony ended with a speech by Kirk, followed by the singing of the Alma Mater.

Pictured above are photos of HPU President Bill Ellis and First Lady Dr. Diana Ellis leading students in the Chime In ceremony held Friday afternoon.

Below are more photos of the ceremony.

New students conclude Chime In with singing the Alma Mater.