9/8/10

Fall Convocation Will Celebrate
Academic Excellence

On Thursday morning, September 23, the Moravian community (College, Seminary, and Comenius Center) will gather in Johnston Hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon for Fall Convocation: a new annual event that will begin the academic year with a celebration of academic excellence.

The Convocation also will mark the official kick-off of the CHINA IN FOCUS thematic programming for 2010-11.

"We wanted to develop a new tradition that would bring together the entire community," said Dr. Kathy Thomforde, who with Deb Evans co-chairs the Committee for Thematic Academic Programming. "We have a freshman Convocation (the Class of 2014 Convocation), but we realized we did not have a way to welcome back returning students. Fall Convocation is for everyone. It's also an especially appropriate way to introduce our CHINA IN FOCUS theme for the year."

The 2010 Fall Convocation will begin with an academic procession. Highlights:

• Processional music
  provided by the Moravian College Greyhound Marching Band, directed by James Barnes. Pieces include Chinese Dragon Dance and Jasmine Flower (a traditional Chinese folk song).
• Recognition of academic achievement. President Christopher Thomforde will briefly recognize various academic award recipients, societies, and campus groups.
• Rob Gifford, Cohen keynote speaker. After an introduction by Dr. Thomforde, Rob Gifford, London bureau chief for National Public Radio, will speak about China. Gifford, who spent nearly two decades in the country, is author of China Road (available in the Moravian College book store). "We selected Rob Gifford to speak about China because we wanted someone who is both knowledgeable and approachable," added Kathy Thomforde. "His book, China Road, is a delightful combination of the personal with insights about larger trends and ideas. I thoroughly enjoyed it."
  
• Q&A: Dean Gordon Weil will lead an open question and answer session about the lecture and book.

Classes will not be held during the Convocation, and all administrative offices will close from 10:15-12:15. (Essential personnel will remain on duty.)

Moravian College encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided for the Fall Convocation event, please call Deborah Evans, 610 861-1340, at least one week prior to the event.