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Wooster convocation looks ahead to 155th academic year with courage from community

The 91��Ʒ������������Ƶ���� celebrated the start of its 155th academic year with its annual Convocation Ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, also honoring the beginning of the senior year for members of the Class of 2025. Speakers representing faculty, staff, and leaders from the graduating class spoke to the College community, looking ahead with enthusiasm and courage for the new year and its challenges and triumphs.

“In our intellectual and creative community, you have a team of faculty, staff, and fellow students who will help you have the experiences, learn the skills, and develop the habits that will allow you to enter fully into the process of producing, contradicting, and refining knowledge,” said Sarah Sobeck, dean for faculty development, during the Convocation address. Students and members of the community were challenged to “experience wonder” in facing the unknown, “develop healthy doubt” upon encountering the contradictions that lead to discovery, and finally, take confidence from that team of faculty, staff, and fellow students as they “share ideas, listen to critiques, react, and learn to critique in productive ways.” The address concluded, “Sustained by wonder, doubt, and confidence; guided by accomplished, dedicated faculty and staff; inspired by the students around you, you will become worthy alumni of The 91��Ʒ������������Ƶ����, thankful for all you have learned and eager for the next phase of your life.”

Speaking as a member of the faculty, Hamed Goharipour, assistant professor of urban studies and Middle Eastern & North African studies, asked the audience to consider the “powerful connections” formed through the mixing of knowledge from multiple fields that Wooster’s liberal arts education creates. “Let’s commit to making those connections stronger, to learning from one another, and to working together, faculty, staff, and students, to make this campus and the world beyond them a better place,” he said. Echoing the same idea, Andy Zidron, co-chair of the staff committee and head men’s soccer coach, encouraged everyone “to be intentional about focusing on others and putting their needs first… and bring value to the campus community through service and gratitude.”

Senior leaders carried the theme of taking strength from the community in their own remarks to their community and classmates. “It’s our time to take those final steps toward our goals, to solidify the friendships we’ve made, and to soak in every last moment of this experience,” said Ryan Gross ’25, vice president of Scot Council. Fellow representative from the Class of 2025, Shaunta Palmer, president of the Black Student Association, emboldened her classmates to “go above and beyond for even the ones you consider little,” and “celebrate every moment” of senior year, leaving no regrets. Also among the senior leaders speaking, Minh Phan ’25 encouraged the class to make the most of their time, saying, “Curate your environment, community, and the things you consume to live to your fullest potential and see success in its highest form.”

As dean of faculty, Sobeck recognized faculty who achieved tenure and promotion this year. The following faculty were promoted to associate professor with tenure: Tracy Cosgriff, art history; Nathan Foster, psychology; Jeff Gershman, music; Michael Miyawaki, sociology; Carlo Moreno, environmental studies; and Dan Palmer, computer science. Those promoted to professor, include Kara Morrow, art history; Olivia Navarro-Farr, archaeology and anthropology; and Lisa Wong, music.

The fall semester classes began at the College on Wednesday, Aug. 21, for approximately 1,900 Wooster students. See more from the ceremony at wooster.edu/convocation.

Posted in Homepage Featured, News on August 26, 2024.