West Virgini aUniversitys new mens basketball coach John Beilein helped welcomed 3,800-plus freshmen and transfer studentspossibly the largest freshman class in the Universitys historyto campus Sunday (Aug. 18) at New Student Convocation at the WVU Coliseum.

“Im a newcomer too,”said an enthusiastic Coach Beilein, who just four months ago accepted the hoops post at WVU . He told the young audience that he, too, had to find the PRT , various buildings and classrooms, and make new friends.

“Take this opportunity to get involved in what is now your university,”he advised.”Sit in frontraise your hand.show school spirit.some of the best days of your life are ahead of you.”

Asking for a five-second cheer to get a feel for just how loud the Coliseum might get, the coach said he liked what he heard and noted that the Class of 2006 is”special to me because my son Patrick is also a freshman.”

President David C. Hardesty Jr. reminisced of his freshman convocation some 35 years ago, and urged students to dream big.”When you go home tonight write down 4-5 things youd like to accomplish during your time here,”he said,”and note where youd like to be in life some years down the road.”

He congratulated them for”making it to this point”in their educational career.

“We understand that you have worked hard to get here,”Hardesty said,”and WVU is grateful that you have decided to share this time of your life with us.”

Joining Hardesty and Beilein in welcoming the citys newest residents and offering them advice for academic and personal success were Vice President for Student Affairs Kenneth D. Gray, Student Government Association (SGA) President Chris Gregory, SGA Vice President Don McIntyre and Scott Rotruck, new president of the Greater Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce.

Sophomore Foundation Scholar Catherine Goffreda and junior SGA member Azadeh Afshari also offered tips to new students like managing time wisely and getting involved.

Each freshman received a special gift �€a key ring replica of a WVU class ring, a symbol of accomplishment for alumni and those who have attained at least junior status.

The University Choir, under the direction of Kathleen Shannon, was on hand for special performances of WVU s”Alma Mater,”“My Home Among the Hills”and other favorites.

The students also recited the University creed.

Other WVU back-to-school activities include the annual FallFest Concert on the MountainlairPlaza beginning at 7 p.m. tonight (Aug. 19) with artists 311 and Wyclef Jean, among others, and a dance party, comedy club and film festival.