Academic Convocation
Welcoming New Students to Worcester State
Academic Convocation took place on September 1, 2021. Recap the ceremony below.
What is Convocation?
Worcester State University’s Academic Convocation officially welcomes new students into our academic community and fosters a sense of belonging. Convocation is literally a “calling together” of all new students. It is a formal academic ceremony that, together with Commencement, will serve as bookends to your time here at Worcester State. Convocation serves to officially welcome you to the academic core of your university experience. We hope that this event will serve as an opportunity to gain an appreciation for the university’s values and traditions.
Convocation is also designed to inspire your commitment to excellence within an academic community of students, faculty, and staff. You will be introduced at this time to some of the many individuals here to support your learning and intellectual development.
2021 Stage Party & Speakers
The ceremony was led by the following stage part members and speakers:
Master of Ceremonies
Dr. Noah Dion, Academic Affairs
Faculty Marshall
Professor Michael Hachey, Visual & Performing Arts
Leading Alma Mater
Renee Mercier, Class of 2022
University President
President Barry Maloney
Faculty Speaker
Dr. Samuel O’Connell, President of the Massachusetts State College Association Worcester Chapter
Student Speaker
Karen Shalev, SGA President and Class of 2022
Alumni Speaker
Geovanna Diaz Chavez, Class of 2012
Faculty Speaker
Dr. Katie Frazier, Psychology
Other Stage Party Members
Dr. Linda Larrivee, Dean of Education, Health, and Natural Sciences
Dr. Raynold Lewis, Dean of Education, Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies
Dr. Russ Pottle, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr. Lois Wims, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs