Welcoming Our New Mariners
Convocation is a special rite of passage for our students as they enter into Mitchell College and make their class pledge. With the Thames River on one side and the College Green on the other, our new students experience being part of their new community, and together mark the start of the next step in their education journey. The entire campus community is invited to welcome our new Mariners on board.
Schedule
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
3:30pm | Incoming Students Gather for Processsion | Tennis Courts on Montauk Avenue
4:00pm | All Seated | Ceremony Begins | Duquès Center Patio/College Green (Rain Location: Clarke Center Auditorium)
5:00pm | Mexican Fiesta for Students and Convocation Guests | Patio (Rain Location: Milner Dining Hall)
Order of Exercises
Welcome
Tracy Y. Espy, Ph.D., President of Mitchell College
Greetings from the Board of Trustees
Richard D’Avino, Board Chair
Class of 2029 Address
Kevin Booker, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Michael T. Jenkins Scholarship Award — Presented to Juan Pina (in absentia)
Meredith Adler, Director of First-Year Experience
Faculty Highlight
Kimberly Richard, Ph.D., Associate Dean
Uniquely You, Class of 2029
Alicia Martinez, Ed.D., Chief Student Affairs Officer, Dean of Student Experience and Belonging
Kimberly Richard, Ph.D., Associate Dean
Kimberly Richard, Ph.D., Associate Dean
First-Year Experience Address, Presentation of Class Book, Introduction of Student Government Association (SGA) President
Meredith Adler, Director of First-Year Experience
Class Pledge
Rachel Casasnovas, SGA President
Alma Mater
Select Chorus directed by Jonathan Babbitt, M.M., Assistant Professor, Performing Arts
Closing of Ceremony
Kimberly Richard, Ph.D., Associate Dean
Ringing of the Bell
Rachel Casasnovas, SGA President
