Students in the Class of 2016 have the opportunity to celebrate the transition from first to sophomore year by attending the annual Second Year Pinning Ceremony on Thursday.

Keri Cyr, assistant director of transitions and the sophomore and junior experience, said the Second Year Pinning Ceremony recognizes the shift sophomores undergo as they move beyond their first year and become campus leaders.

Morgan DeCuir, a sophomore biology major, said she thinks the ceremony will be a good way to transition into her second year.

At the event, sophomores receive a pin with their class year on it, Cyr said.

The experience is intended to make students feel special and to provide an occasion for sophomores to look forward to, since there is some sort of ceremony for every other class, Cyr said.

DeCuir said the ceremony supports the feeling of community on campus by showing that students are cared for beyond the first year.

Cyr said students will find the pinning a quick, fun and special event where they can see their fellow classmates and hear messages from people on campus who care about them.

Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Nowell Donovan, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Kathy Cavins-Tull, President of the National Alumni Association Jack Larson and Dean of the Class of 2016 Tom Studdert will all speak at the ceremony, Cyr said.

DeCuir said she is looking forward to seeing other people in her class and being recognized as a sophomore.

The event should only last about an hour, Cyr said.

The ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday on the front steps of M.E. Sadler Hall, with refreshments to follow.

Correction: This article was updated at 3:24 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18 to reflect the current Dean of the Class of 2016.