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(Aug. 25, 2024) –University of Saint Joseph’s first-year students were welcomed by President Rhona Free and USJ’s Deans and faculty on Aug. 25 at Convocation, the first formal event of the academic year.
Lynnette Colon M’09, associate director of Student Activities for Faith and Service led the Invocation, followed by remarks from USJ Provost Michelle Kalis on “Convocation and Commitment.”
“Convocation honors all new students at the start of your academic career at USJ and at a pivotal time in your life,” said Dr. Kalis. “Convocation is also an opportunity for the USJ community, the faculty, staff, administrators, and students, to come together and celebrate the beginning of the academic year and to reflect upon the central purpose of the University of Saint Joseph.
“Today at this convocation, we ask the students to commit to the community of the University of Saint Joseph and the values we represent and to commit to academic excellence,” she continued. “As students, you are responsible for your own success; it is your responsibility to become well-rounded USJ alumni with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen field and contribute to society’s betterment. Following in the footsteps of the Sisters of Mercy who founded the University in 1932, we continue their commitment to the core values of: catholic identity, academic excellence, respect and integrity, hospitality, multiculturalism and diversity compassionate service, and development of the whole person. Welcome to the 2024-25 academic year at the University of Saint Joseph.”
“Welcome to USJ and, if you’re a first-year student, welcome to college life!” said President Rhona Free in her Convocation remark.
Referring to USJ’s Common Theme of “Resilience,” Dr. Free gave examples of individuals that have shown resilience in the past year, including recent Olympic athletes and Political candidates including President Joseph Biden and Vice-Presidential candidate J.D. Vance.
“So why choose resilience as the common theme for a year at college? Because at college, you are going to need it. Over the next few years, along with many amazing experiences, remarkable accomplishments and incredible successes leading up to the day you receive your diploma, you may have a few disappointments. A disappointing performance on a test, a surprising loss in an athletic competition, or not getting elected the first time you run for a student government position. But like Noah Lyles and Cindy Ngamba and Simone Biles, you will overcome those challenges with resilience that you bring with you or that you develop while you are here.”
Rhys Mendoza Villa ‘26 spoke to the incoming class before leading them in the New Student Pledge, sharing that as a student with high-functioning autism, “this whole campus welcomed me with open arms and made me feel truly included…This is a campus where all of you can feel welcome and accepted for who you really are.”
Dr. Jennifer Kowitt, who received the 2024 Father John Stack Teaching Excellence Award, gave the keynote speech, “Stamp, Stomp Shuffle: Finding Success in the Opportunity to Fail.” Starting out by sharing the fear of failure she felt when she began taking tap dance lessons as an adult, she encouraged the new students to take risks because “learning takes place in the space where you have the chance to fail, the chance to take a risk and try something new.”
“This year’s university-wide common theme is resilience; through the discussion groups, workshops, and special events that have been planned for you, you will have the chance to explore what it means to keep going in the face of challenges,” Dr. Kowitt explained. “Faculty, passionate about what they teach, are excited to help you explore their fields. Staff at the library, Center for Academic Excellence (or CAE), and Counseling and Psychological Services are here to support you as you research, develop self-management skills, and figure out how you personally thrive. These are only three of the many resources available to you – we are here for you on your journey.
“So, take some risks! Try something new! You may fail, and if you do, you have people around you to support you. But you may also succeed – and discover a new passion, life’s purpose, or something new and wonderful about yourself. And isn’t that what college is all about?”