Georgetown's undergraduate Class of 2007, with students dressed in caps and gowns, filed into McDonough Arena on May 17 for senior convocation, the official beginning of the weekend's commencement activities.

Most students first put on their ceremonial academic gowns four years ago at new student convocation on Aug. 23, 2003. The two ceremonies are like bookends of undergraduate students' time at Georgetown: one marks the start of their academic careers and the other welcomes them into the family of Georgetown alumni.

"This convocation is a moment between beginnings, when you look back on the gift of the years you had with us, and look ahead to the enduring gift that Georgetown will be in your lives," Provost James O'Donnell told the crowd.

During the Class of 2007's four years on campus, changes have abounded both within the students and the greater world. And although each class is distinctive, it is the traditions at the convocations that unifies them.

Back in 2004, the new students walked into McDonough Arena with commencement gowns draped over their left arms. They later donned those gowns to signify their acceptance into the Georgetown community.

At the senior convocation, the students entered wearing those same gowns, a mark of their academic achievements and progress.

Just before he entered the event, Frank Balsamello (C'07) reflected on how he felt during new student convocation. He remembers walking into the arena, nervously eying his classmates.

"I didn't know anyone that first year. Now I can look around and I know my classmates I'm here with," he said.

This time around, Balsamello and other students appeared more comfortable with their surroundings. Instead of nervous glances, they hugged each other and waved proudly to family members. The 1,683 members of the senior class entered through a canopy of 54 flags representing the home countries of graduating international students.

But Georgetown didn't let them go without something new to wear: official alumni pins, welcoming them in the Hoya family for life.

The class' first act as new alumni was to present their own gift to the university. The Class of 2007 raised more than $65,000 to be donated to the Georgetown Fund, a program that awards scholarship money to students in need. With 67% participating, the seniors raised the most money of any class in Georgetown history.

"Convocation is a great way to start the whole commencement weekend," Alison Noelker (C'07) said as she prepared to enter the arena. It's special "to see everyone excited and in their academic dress."

It also represents both an ending and a beginning in her classmates' lives, she added.

At the start of their time at Georgetown, convocation speakers told the new class about their many responsibilities as students -- to pursue knowledge, serve the campus and greater community and act in ethical ways. The Class of 2007 has distinguished itself in each area, O'Donnell said.

The graduates include recipients of Marshall, Fulbright, Mitchell and Truman scholarships, among others. One in five of them participated in athletics and one graduate is Georgetown’s first student to win three single-handed national sailing championships.

Through it all, the class has logged 60,213 courses. They've participated in 300 productions within the performing arts program, and taken up leadership positions in student government, clubs and philanthropic organizations.

Convocation keynote speaker Peter Cooper, a member of the university's board of directors and father of a graduating senior, urged the class to recall the opportunities a Georgetown education has given them by making a difference in their chosen field.

Now it is time to capitalize on those opportunities, Cooper said. He encouraged the class members to find their passion in life and doggedly pursue it.

"In seeking your passion, you'll find out how to best express yourself. If you're truly passionate about what you do, you'll find happiness," he said. "And what is more, you'll have the opportunity for greatness."