Convocation bolsters student success

The ninth annual New Student and University Convocation, held in the Auditorium Theater, welcomed new and transfer students, introduced new faculty along with addresses from student leaders and administrators.

Hundreds of students, who were divided into groups based on their college, were given green Roosevelt University t-shirts to bolster school pride. The staff encouraged students to create “an ocean of green”. After they were seated, students joined faculty, staff and members of the board of trustees in singing the National Anthem. 

After opening remarks from Provost and Executive Vice President James Gandre, different representatives of University employee groups, such as the Clerical Union, Administrative Assembly, and student organizations greeted the audience. 

Student Government Association president Channing Redditt stressed how students need to become encouraged and expand their horizons.

“Start this year off with an open mind and welcome new people into your circle of friends,” Redditt said. “Encourage each other to do the best and continue to do your best until this journey is done -until you’re sitting back in this auditorium ready to graduate. Together you all will accomplish things beyond your imagination.”

Eleven new faculty and sixty new staff members were also welcomed and introduced to the University. The recently accredited College of Pharmacy program had the most additions with seven new faculty members. Students were lectured about the importance of education, getting involved and engaging new people. 

“We all understand and recognize the importance of your education. We know that your education is something that once you have it, nothing and no one can ever take it away from you,” said Melissa Stutz, assistant dean for the Heller College of Business, “ and how many things in your life can you really say that about?” 

Jearlean Fleming is the senior secretary for the College of Arts and Sciences. She painted a portrait of the future for new Roosevelt students and said she is eager to see the day when all of the attendees would return full circle to the theater, exchanging their green t-shirt for a cap and gown.  

The ceremony wrapped up with a matriculation of new students. Modeled after the university’s graduation ceremony, it was the official welcome to students from Roosevelt University President Charles Middleton. After the matriculation process, attendees and staff all joined in and sang the university’s alma mater before being dismissed for lunch in the lobby. 

According to Gandre, the objective of convocation is to provide students with an opportunity to be involved in a communal event. 

He said that the ceremony shows students that they belong to a larger community.

What’s your favorite moment from this year’s convocation? Tweet and tell us all out about it on @RUTORCH on Twitter.