"The strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the wolf is the pack!" 

So began the 2015 Opening Ceremony, chanted by the Pride of the Sierras University of Nevada, Reno Marching Band, Friday, Aug. 21. 

Students, parents and families filed into Lawlor Events Center to be greeted with remarks by Kevin Carman, University executive vice president and provost, and Marc Johnson, president, with keynote address by Bob Felten, a 1971 alumnus and associate professor from the Reynolds School of Journalism, followed by Caden Fabbi, president of the Associated Students of the University of Nevada. 

Common themes among the speakers included advising students that going to class, managing their wellness and getting involved with campus activities and events as the easiest and best ways to be successful in college. 

Felten, who has been teaching at the Reynolds School of Journalism since 2000 and is frequently voted in the top echelon of the area's most popular instructors, took the stage to impart wisdom to new students. 

Journalism students are well aware that when walking into Felten's classroom each day, a new quote will be waiting to spark conversation. Felten turned to his own favorite means of communicating pearls of wisdom - the quote - to address the incoming freshman. 

As is fitting in today's socially connected world, where students listen first to their peers before taking the advice of other experts, Felten "crowdsourced" comments and advice for new students from juniors, seniors and recent graduates of the University. Here are a few he shared with the crowd: 

• "Knowing what you want to do when you 'grow up' is overrated. It's perfectly fine to take random classes and explore your interests." - Morgan
• "Follow your passions, take classes you like, and the knowledge you accumulate in college, mixed with passion, will send you in the right direction." - Erica
• Get involved early - as soon as possible. Right now. Don't wait to adjust to college, getting involved right away will help you adjust to college. - Sean, Sadie, Lauren, Taylor, Nick, Lindsay, Rachel, Kimberly and Morgan
• "College really is a time to figure out who you are both inside and outside the classroom. It is a process of trial and error. No one really knows what they're doing, and we're all just trying to figure out how to navigate ourselves, (and) our education...." - Lauren
• "Actually go to class...it pays off to show up." - Elizabeth
• "Find something you love to do when you are stressed, because you will feel overwhelmed at least a few times during your college career. If it's going on a run, awesome. If it is playing the guitar, jam out. If it is volunteering at an animal shelter, go for it."  - Morgan
• "I wish someone would have told me not to waste a single minute trying to be anyone except exactly who I am." - Rachel

Johnson, in his welcome remarks, thanked the members of the Class of 2019 for making a "wise choice" in choosing the University.

"This is a choice that will change the trajectory of your life, your family's life, and the lives of future generations of your family," he said. "Your four years here will help you determine your career path. It will help you become more involved in your community. It will bring clarity to many of life's 'big questions.'

"It will also be fun."

Fabbi used his own experience as an example of how involvement in the life of the campus can help determine an individual student's success. He said he came to the University three years ago "without any intention of being involved. Little did I know the opportunities this campus offers...Never take a single day on this campus for granted. Every second on this campus has the potential to be impactful.

"But is up to you to make it this way."

The ceremony ended with the traditional candlelight singing of the alma mater and pledging of the Nevada Oath.

Classes start Monday, Aug. 24.