Kelly Branam Macaulay at the podium
St. Cloud State University’s Class of 2023 began a new tradition Aug. 23— a tradition designed to keep the incoming class focused on their graduation.
Students gathered on the Husky Plaza into their colleges and schools, and then, after a Husky High Five from Blizzard, followed faculty to Ritsche Auditorium and New Huskies Convocation, which is a new tradition in a historic year.
As they entered Stewart Hall for Convocation, they entered to the cheers and applause from faculty, staff and administrators. Deans Shonda Craft and Jennifer Mueller led a Huskies chant.
As they sat down in the auditorium, each held an envelope they were instructed not to open — yet.
President Robbyn Wacker began her remarks by noting on the University’s history, and the history these students were making.
“Over our 150 years we’ve had students here every fall just like you who go on to do amazing things,” she said. “We are a St. Cloud State University Husky family of over 100,000 in Minnesota, the United States and across the globe.”
This year, the students present are joining that family. They are the first class of a new future, with new traditions — Husky Plaza, New Student Convocation and the Husky Pledge.
The pledge asks students to devote themselves to their studies, get involved, act with integrity and treat others with respect.
St. Cloud State has a diverse set of students, and those students come from small towns and large cities. They come from Central Minnesota and from across the globe, but they are all Huskies, she said.
She encouraged students to learn from one another and engage authentically as they come together as a community. And she encouraged them to challenge themselves.
“Never stop learning,” Wacker said. “Never stop seeking greater insight about the world around you.”
Convocation included addresses by the entire Academic leadership team, a performance of the “University Hymn” by members of the University Concert Choir, and an address by Anthropology Associate Professor Dr. Kelly Branam Mccaulay.
At the instruction of Provost Dan Gregory, students opened their envelopes and pulled out their future – a tassel that points forward to their graduation. He encouraged them to keep the tassel where they can see it and get inspiration when times get tough.
“It represents the amazing work you’re going to do over the next four years,” he said. “It represents the professional you’re going to become over the journey as the result of all of the hard work. And a reminder that the destination of the journey is so worth it.”
The Husky Pledge
As a new member of the St. Cloud State University Community I pledge the following:
- I pledge to act with the highest levels of personal and academic integrity.
- I pledge to treat all members of the St. Cloud State University community with respect and dignity.
- I pledge to participate actively in the life of the university.
- I pledge to help others and to seek out and accept help when I am in need.
- I pledge to challenge myself inside and outside of the classroom.
This pledge is my promise to St. Cloud State University.
New Huskies Convocation – August 23, 2019 from UTVS Television on Vimeo.
