Late Sunday afternoon, thousands of brand new Cavaliers in the University of Virginia’s Class of 2021 assembled for this year’s Opening Convocation and Honor Induction.

After white supremacist protests shook Charlottesville and UVA last week, there was comfort to be found in the familiar ritual, in which students are officially welcomed to the University and sign the honor pledge.

Following tradition, several UVA secret societies made an appearance. Speakers read letters from the Seven Society – delivered with great fanfare by the Cavalier Marching Band drumline – the Purple Shadows, and the 21 Society. Many of the letters referenced last weekend’s violence and encouraged the new UVA students to learn from the diverse voices and perspectives of those around them.

Speaking just before the University Singers choral group performed a special rendition of the Civil Rights anthem “We Shall Overcome,” UVA President Teresa A. Sullivan echoed that message and denounced last weekend’s demonstrations as contradictory to “our shared commitment to diversity, inclusion and respect for everyone.”

She encouraged students to reach out to their new classmates, especially those with a different background from their own.

“The experience of getting to know people from various walks of life will make you a wiser and more empathetic person – and ultimately you will be prepared for the global economy you’ll enter after you take your degree,” Sullivan said, speaking from the steps of the Rotunda.