As the 2003 opening academic convocation came to order, the suppressed sound of coughing was a loud reminder that school had already been in session for three weeks. While this early into the year many students may have not yet cracked open a book or written an essay, almost all students have shared germs and caught the campus cold. Despite the slight sickness, the convocation went smoothly, providing an interesting afternoon for many.
The convocation is a ceremony meant to open the new academic year. It provided students with a chance to see their new administrators and learn about some student programs. It also helped to open up the “Year of the Arts” with a conversation between Dr. Sherwin Nuland and his wife, a Guilford college alumna, Sarah Peterson Nuland.
The convocation was divided into three main parts: the moment of silence, (reflecting the Quaker tradition of the school,) the academic speakers, and the conversation between the Nulands and the audience.
While all were invited to attend, the first-year students were required to go. The actual ceremony lasted over an hour and some found the whole thing to be a little tiring.
“I would have still gone if it wasn’t required [but] I felt the topic of the conversation between the Nulands was rather random at some points. I was pretty lost,” said first-year Rachael Porre.
Other students found the whole event more pleasing.
“I thought it was very interesting the way [Dr. Sherwin] answered the last question,” said second-year Laura Foltz. “The one about limits between empathy and knowledge, how he said empathy was knowledge and it was wisdom. [Also] how he thought there were too many wiz kids in science who could pump out the numbers but had no emotion for it.”
The Nuland presentation was the most interactive part of Convocation. After speaking at length in response to questions posed by Associate Academic Dean Jim Hood, they also answered questions from the audience.
The Nulands spoke about the connection between science and art, and how these subjects were dealt with as time progressed.
A fter being asked about the difference between Guilford and life in general, Sarah Peterson Nuland responded: “We live in a world where no one reflects…we respond…we don’t allow ourselves time to think…everything is instant pudding.”
Opening speakers of the convocation included President Kent John Chabotar, Vice President Adrienne Israel and students Bita Emrani, Will Hall, and Tamara Asad.
President Chabotar gave a short speech entitled, “In Praise of Great Teaching,” and, though he had a serious subject, he kept the mood light by peppering his speech with lighthearted jokes and anecdotes. However, after poking fun at himself, Chabotar spoke of the importance of good teachers and of Guilford in general.
“Guilford College is an oasis, where teaching students really matters,” said Chabotar at the end of his speech.
The student representatives all worked to provide differing voices in the campus, from early college, traditional, and continuing education students.
Both Emrani and Hall spoke of larger programs coming to Guilford. Each also emphasized the importance of their less-than-traditional programs.
Asad, speaking for the Community Senate, tried to give a more general message for the entire student body. She asked that all that had interest in the affairs of our school attend Senate meetings.
“We work for you and we want to make the college a better place for you,” said Asad. “We look forward to meeting our challenges with our heads up and our hands out.”
Vice Present Israel roused the crowded in Dana Auditorium by asking first the first-year students and then the seniors to stand and be recognized for their importance to the school as a whole.
Israel also introduced Jim Hood, who moderated the conversation between Dr. and Mrs. Nuland.
The convocation ended with the college choir performing the school’s Alma Mater.
As people filed out of the auditorium, the music still ringing in their ears and some singing it quietly to themselves, they found refreshments provided by Senate and were greeted by the sounds of the African drumming circle practicing in the grass near Archdale hall, completing a quintessential Guilford experience.