Fayetteville State University announced it is partnering with Lenovo to provide more than 800 laptops for first-time freshmen during FSU’s annual Freshman Pinning Ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 18.

“Welcoming our students during the pinning ceremony is a tradition that invites our new students to enter their first year with the necessary tenacity as we support them in every way possible so that they not just enroll here but finish here in four years or less. This is the true demonstration of Bronco Pride,” said FSU Chancellor Darrell T. Allison in a press release. “I am delighted and I truly cannot adequately express the deep appreciation I have for the leadership at Lenovo. Their committed partnership with FSU in providing all incoming freshmen class with brand new laptops over the next 4 years – 800 annually – is a real game changer. I am both excited and most humbled with this partnership providing our students the tools necessary for success in today’s digital environment.”

Cheo Johnson, general manager of Lenovo’s U.S. sales center, made the announcement to the first-year Broncos in a video during the long-storied tradition in the Seabrook Auditorium. “We recognize the essential role that access to technology plays in a student’s academic journey,” Johnson said in the recording. “Our commitment to making a positive impact, caring for our communities, and driving innovation is at the heart of this partnership. Fayetteville State’s efforts to ensure on-time graduation align perfectly with our mission to empower students to reach their full potential.”

Lenovo is committing to providing laptops to the following three classes of incoming freshmen. Over four years, they will provide approximately 3,200 laptops.

“This partnership with Lenovo highlights both organization’s efforts to ensure students are equipped to succeed,” said Hector Molina, DBA, vice chancellor for information technology services and chief information officer at FSU. “As Fayetteville State University continues to offer high-quality educational options, we must foster an environment where every student can excel and graduate on time and be prepared for the world beyond the classroom.”

The pinning ceremony is a long-storied tradition, formally welcoming freshmen students into the Bronco family. 

“This event is an opportunity for us to connect with our new Broncos and for them to learn more about the rich legacy of FSU,” said Juanette Council, Ed.D., vice chancellor for student affairs, in a press release. “It makes it even more exciting when we exhibit our commitment through new partnerships that directly impact their experience like with Lenovo.”