Convocation: The commencement of a transformational academic journey

To kick-start the academic experience for freshmen, The College of St. Scholastica celebrated with a convocation ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 3. This ceremony takes place on the first day of classes, following Welcome Weekend. The years-old tradition is meant to help students better identify with their place in the institution and their membership within their class.

Dr. Ryan Sandefer, vice president for Academic Affairs and interim vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, remarked that Convocation “marks the commencement of an academic journey that will be transformational for the individuals in attendance. Moreover, it signifies a commitment to community: that we aim to learn and grow together.”

Maddy Ploof ’25 addresses fellow students at Opening Convocation in 2024

Maddy Ploof ’25 has had the privilege of attending convocation twice in her time as a student: once as a freshman and for a second time during her senior year, serving as the president of the Student Government Association. “It’s a much different perspective to hear the welcome speeches again as an upperclassman and not a freshman,” she said. “I can reflect on what those words meant to me as a freshman and still apply them to my career at St. Scholastica.”

Celebrating 112 years of Saints

Opening Convocation in 2004

Early on in the College’s history, Convocation was held weekly and required students to dress in black caps and gowns for a ceremony held in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel. During this time, the students would hear lectures from members of the College administration, sometimes even lectures given by famous people. It was also a time to listen to musical performances. The tradition of Opening Convocation was then started in the fall of 1995. Since then, Convocation has been a rite of passage for new students, officially welcoming them to the community and wishing them well throughout their academic endeavors. Convocation is also a time to honor alumni who graduated more than 50 years ago as members of the Saints Heritage Club.

As an institution deeply rooted in its Benedictine values, The College of St. Scholastica takes pride in ensuring that students are prepared to live their lives responsibly and meaningfully. The convocation ceremony exposes new students to the shared values of community, respect, love of learning, hospitality and stewardship, which are then intended to be the pillars that guide students throughout the duration of their academic journeys and the rest of their lives.