Franklin’s traditional Convocation Ceremony was held on Wednesday, September 8, welcoming new students andÌýcelebrating the start of the new 2021-2022 academic year. This ceremonialÌýgathering is a chance to kick offÌýnew students'Ìýacademic journey at Franklin, while coming together as a community of staff, faculty, and students in affirming the university’s mission and values.
Because of the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, theÌýevent was spread out through most of the afternoon whilstÌýfollowingÌýsocial distancing measures and mask-wearing requirements. It opened with a socially distanced ice-cream offer on Kaletsch campus, where a "gelato"ÌýtruckÌýserved yummy ice-cream cones to new students.
Following this delectable moment, the celebration moved indoors to the Auditorium whereÌýPresident Dr. GregÌýWarden inaugurated the beginning of the 2021-2022ÌýAcademic Year. Dr. Andrew Starcher, Vice President of Academic Affairs, next introduced this year'sÌýConvocation speaker,Ìý, author and poet, with both Italian and Iranian ancestry. Mr.ÌýNaffis-Sahely read some of hisÌýmost acclaimed poetry while sharingÌýhis personal experiences in growing up as part Italian, part Iranian, but living in the UAE, and how this inspired him into making writing his legacy.ÌýÌý
Shortly after 7Ìýp.m., the traditional tree ceremony was held, where a sapling wasÌýplanted in the Kaletsch campus garden. PlantingÌýtrees has been an important part of Convocation for several years, symbolizing Franklin'sÌýproud past, the passion for learning, the academic excellence,Ìýand bodes well for the longevity of the Franklin community.Ìý
"Convocation is my favorite ceremony at Franklin because it is a fresh start and the opening of a new academic year. The tree-planting symbolizes the knowledge process - water and sunshine support the growth just like our students learning in and outside of the classroom as they design their own Franklin experience! The gelato reminds us of how sweet the learning process can be." said Deborah Knaust, Dean of Student Life and Engagement.
For more information on upcoming events, check the Franklin AppÌýÌý(forÌýÌý´Ç°ùÌý)Ìýor the University Calendar. For more information on campus safety measures check the Coronavirus Information and Updates page.