Fall 2009 Convocation was held on August 21 2009, 4:30pm at Cranford Park (by Carter Hall). The Taste of UNC and Bear Fest was held immediately follow at Turner Green.
Alma Mater
Ah! Well I remember, Friends of “Purple and Gold.”
Friends met in September, Pledging their Faith to hold.
Gone, Friends of September, Gone dear friends of old.
Time never shall sever, Friends of “Purple and Gold.”
Time never shall sever, Friends of “Purple and Gold.”
-J. De Forest Cline
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Current and former University of Northern Colorado students, faculty and staff will be joined by friends, family and community members 4:30-5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, in Cranford Park near Carter Hall for the 2009 Fall Convocation, the annual ceremony marking the beginning of a new academic year.
Convocation recognizes the beginning of students’ academic careers, much like commencement recognizes their completion, and allows students to learn about academic and UNC traditions as they arrive, rather than when they leave.
The event’s organizing committee is introducing a new tradition by having the current winner of the M. Lucille Harrison Award provide the keynote address at each fall’s convocation. The award, the university’s top faculty honor, annually recognizes a faculty member for a distinguished career in teaching, professional activity and service.
As winner of the 2009 Harrison Award, Professor of Physics Courtney Willis will be this year’s featured convocation speaker. Willis has taught physics and physics education courses at UNC since 1991 and earlier this year received a 2009 Distinguished Service Award from the American Association of Science Teachers.
UNC Provost Abe Harraf and President Kay Norton will welcome new students, faculty and staff, and Norton will speak briefly about academic traditions such as the regalia that faculty are encouraged to wear to the event.
Professor Emeritus of History Bob Larson, author of several books including "Shaping Educational Change: the First Century of the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley," will speak briefly on some of UNC traditions.
Reyna Cruz, an undergraduate student, and Lori Braa, a graduate student, will share their personal stories about the power of education - how it engages, transforms and enriches lives. A student jazz ensemble also will perform.
Upon the conclusion of convocation, the speakers and faculty of each of the university’s colleges will lead a procession across campus to the Turner Green for a Taste of UNC and Bear Fest, which will run through 7 p.m.
A Taste of UNC will celebrate UNC’s cultural diversity by offering a variety of international cuisine prepared by UNC’s chefs.
Faculty and staff members who attend convocation will receive complimentary access to tasting stations with their UNC Card. Students with UNC meal plans also can use their UNC Card for the tasting. Friends, family members and others can purchase a tasting coupon book for $5 per person.
The taste will be a "green" event – food items will be handheld to minimize the need for paper plates and plasticware. Tables and chairs will be available.
Bear Fest, which is free and open to all, will include live music, inflatable games, performances by UNC cheerleaders, speakers and other activities.
Convocation, a Taste of UNC and Bear Fest are all part of Bear Welcome 2009. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Bear Welcome site.
Inclement Weather Plans
In case of inclement weather, convocation will be held in Butler-Hancock Hall and A Taste of UNC will be held in Holmes Dining Hall. If the weather looks threatening the day of the event, check the UNC Web site at http://www.unco.edu/ for status updates.
