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Photos: Emory Gate Crossing + Coke Toast

Monday’s late summer heat couldn’t stifle the excitement of first-year students looking ahead to their future on Emory’s Atlanta campus as they gathered for the second-annual Gate Crossing + Coke Toast.

Waving Emory pennants and clad in matching t-shirts, members of the Class of 2027 walked through the iconic Haygood-Hopkins Gate together, with faculty, staff, fellow students and alumni cheering them on. They proceeded to the Quad, where President Gregory L. Fenves led them in a Coca-Cola Toast. 

“We want to welcome you here on the historic quad of Emory University as you begin your journey in your new home,” Fenves told students. “I am so proud to see all of you.”

Explaining the toast, the president noted the “long and fascinating history” of Emory and Robert W. Woodruff, the late philanthropist and legendary leader of The Coca-Cola Company, who was a major benefactor of Emory.

“You are carrying on that legacy as new students in the Emory Class of 2027. So here’s to each of you and your success here at Emory,” Fenves said, as bottles clinked and students cheered. “Congratulations!”

Photos by Brandon Clifton, Kay Hinton and Sarah Woods, Emory Photo/Video


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