Convocation
The document details the 2016 Academic Convocation proceedings, which marked the annual inauguration of the academic year. Key discussions involved the invocation and the singing of the university alma mater. The address by the President welcomed the entering class of 2016, emphasizing the commitment to intellectual development, critical thinking, and the liberal arts and sciences ethos. Specific encouragement was given to students to explore diverse course offerings and form lifelong bonds. The convocation also highlighted the importance of academic integrity, where the Academic Honors Code was read aloud by the attendees. The address by the convocation speaker, Dr. Mark Valenzuela, detailed his personal journey and the value of a broad education beyond immediate career prospects, mentioning milestones such as leading the campus-wide reaccreditation effort and receiving faculty awards.