Caroline Wilkerson, Copy Editor~
On Wednesday, August 22, 2018, the Class of 2022 made history by being a part of the first convocation at the University of Lynchburg. While convocation is a tradition that honors the incoming freshman class, it is also an opportunity for the professors, advisors, and their peers to convey their expectations of the newest Hornets.
This year’s convocation held more significance as it was the University of Lynchburg’s first convocation. University of Lynchburg President, Dr. Kenneth R. Garren, opened the ceremony welcoming all guests and then raised the new University flag.
Dr. Garren’s most memorable and poignant quote was from the first line of his speech: “Yesterday we were a university that called ourselves a college, and today we are a university that calls ourselves a university.” These words clearly resonated in the hearts and minds of the entire audience for the remainder of the ceremony.
Additional speakers provided commentary to the event, which included: Rita Detwiler, Vice President for Enrollment Management; Dr. Alicia Carter, Associate Professor of German and Spanish; Dr. Sally Selden, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs; Hayward B. Guenard, Vice President and Dean for Student Development; and Lauren Farrell, Student Government Association President.
Following the speeches, the incoming freshman class was introduced and asked to stand and “…commit themselves fully to the values established by the university,” and “…to bring their whole selves to the community.”
Nathan Albert, Associate Chaplain, concluded the ceremony with the benediction.