HWS News
22 August 2024 HWS Kicks Off 2024-25 Academic Year with Convocation
Orientation week culminates in Convocation ceremony as all classes return to campus.
Hobart and William Smith’s Convocation will begin on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 3:30 p.m. on Stern Lawn as new and returning students join faculty, administrators and alumni for the annual ceremony, marking the official start of the 2024-25 academic year.
The Convocation ceremony offers an opportunity for celebration and reflection as a new academic year begins. All members of the HWS community are invited.
The ceremony will commence with welcoming remarks by Dean Kelly Payne, who will convene the afternoon’s celebration and reflection. Rev. Nita Byrd, Chaplain and Dean for Spiritual Engagement, will offer an invocation and guide the audience in a moment of collective inspiration and gratitude.
The program features remarks by Provost and Dean of Faculty Sarah Kirk and Assistant Professor of Chemistry Matthew Church ’14, who will deliver the faculty address. Representing the student body, President of HWS Student Government Sophia Mughal ’25 will extend a welcome and share her vision for the upcoming year while Chevanne DeVaney ’95, P’21, P’23, Executive Director of Alumni and Alumnae Relations, will offer a greeting from the alumni community.
The ceremony will conclude with remarks from President Mark D. Gearan, who will share his reflections and set the tone for the year ahead.
