By Hannah Botjer—
On September 12, the 28th Annual Academic Convocation took place in the Margaret Williams Theater Hepburn Hall. It is a tradition to honor the scholars at our school, the professors as well as the retirees. It was also to welcome our new President, Sue Henderson.
The Academic Convocation is a long-standing tradition in which faculty and staff dons a rich variety of colorful and historic academic robes in order to commemorate their degree and area of study.
The President of the University Senate, Joseph Riotto, led the Convention with the academic mace. Herb Rosenberg, Chair of the Art Department, designed the academic mace in 1987. The mace represents the home of learning surrounded by the human quest for discovery.
Joanna Z. Bruno, Vive President for Academic Affairs, opened the ceremony by introducing the new president, Sue Henderson, “I’m so happy to be the woman behind the woman,” said Bruno.
President Henderson began by sharing with us that New Jersey City University “fit” her and that she was excited as the new president to be able to be a part of NJCU.
Dr. Bruno also introduced Rafael Perez, Chair of the Board of Trustees. He welcomed the professors who were being honored, as well as the retirees.
Student Government President Christian Diaz, extended regards to the professors on behalf of the student body.
Diaz told the attendees about how he met a counselor that changed his college career by believing in him. He encouraged the attendees to be brave and courageous and to ask questions because that’s the way to create a passion.
Guest Speaker and NJCU Alumna, Danielle Kovach, addressed the attendees. Kovach is the recipient of the 2012 NJEA Members Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence, and the 2010-11 New Jersey teacher of the year.
She told the heartwarming tale of how her children get rocks from everywhere they visit as though they were memories. These rocks are important to her children. A rock doesn’t have to be tangible; she explained all of our memories at NJCU are like those metaphorical rocks we hold close to our heart. Every connection we make at NJCU we should hold close to our heart because it makes us who we are today.
The 28th annual academic convention concluded with the alma mater. The scholars and the attendees left with a sense of pride for their school as the ceremony concluded.
