With classes starting Monday and the excitement of the upcoming football season adding to the enthusiasm, Georgia Southern University welcomed a new academic year Monday night with a raucous Day One celebration. The pep rally is held each year to kick off the fall semester and teach Georgia Southern traditions to the newest members of Eagle Nation. Special guests included new university President Jaimie Hebert, new Eagles head football coach Tyson Summers and Athletics Director Tom Kleinlein, along with the Southern Pride Marching Band, Freedom the eagle, Gus the mascot and GSU football players and cheerleaders.