By Jennifer Flores
To celebrate the new academic school year the Lund Auditorium was reserved for the annual tradition of honoring faculty members through an Academic Convocation held on September 4.
The event is also known to welcome new and returning students. This year, due to its recent opening, the Chicago Campus was also welcomed and given the opportunity to join through a livestream.
The ceremony began with a processional with faculty members. On stage, the speakers and the remaining staff directory entered.
President Glena Temple gracefully approached the podium to give a welcome speech. Her words were an invitation for Dominican students to be driven to make a difference in the community.
Temple emphasized that the ceremony would highlight excellence in teaching, commitment to diversity, and the student experience.
Brian Alvarado, a senior majoring in Biology and Chemistry was invited by Andrew Mercado, director of the Ministry.
“You don’t get to say you spoke at a convocation every day,” he said.
His speech demonstrated appreciation for the Dominican community where student voices matter. He hopes that students walk with compassion, respect, and joy.
The newly appointed Provost, Dr. Mia Hardy, made a witty and optimistic speech that had the audience amused and nodding heads.
She lists her responsibilities as ensuring that students have remarkable academics and stellar experience. She believes that Dominican can allow students to discover their gifts and make them align with their purpose.
Chosen for the Excellence in Teaching Address, Professor Jonathan Uebelhor also gave an entertaining yet motivating speech. He expressed the importance of asking for help, finding the quiet moments, and debating.
Dr. Precious Porras, Vice President of Justice, Equity, and Inclusion presented the Davlin Diversity Award to Julio Trujillo.
Victor Martinez, a student in the audience found the speech which was in English and Spanish extra touching.
As part of the 2026 graduating class, seniors, Row Almoaiber and M. Tatiana Vasquez felt that inclusion of students in these events was essential.
“It makes Freshman feel important and part of the equitation,” Almoaiber said.
Vasquez felt that it was a nice tradition that allowed students to feel on the same level as the faculty working to help students.
To close off, a rendition of the Dominican Magnificat was performed along with the final blessing given by Dr. Sheila Bauer-Gatos.
Before, Convocation and Caritas Veritas were together to immerse students in workshops. However, now it will be celebrated as a separate event. Caritas Verita will now take place in November to honor Founders Week.
