Alabama State University News September 27, 2012 Silver Delivers First Fall Convocation Address by Tina Joly ASU students welcomed President Joseph H. Silver Sr. in grand fashion with show-stopping performances by the Dramatic Guild, the University Choir and the Mighty Marching Hornets during the annual Fall Convocation. The first general assembly of the academic year was held in the Dunn-Oliver Acadome and featured the first Convocation address delivered by Silver, who began his tenure as the University's 13th president on Sept. 17. Silver spoke about the significance of the Convocation, explaining that while graduation signals the crowning achievements of our students at the end of an academic year, Convocation ushers in new beginnings. "Convocation signals the beginning of an academic year, where our faculty and staff begin a journey with our students as they travel the bumpy and challenging road toward enlightenment in their search for hopes and dreams that will lead to their ultimate success," Silver said. Silver added that the Convocation also provides an opportunity to celebrate all aspects of the University and the chance to emphasize the core functions of teaching and learning. "I want to impress on all of you who are assembled that this is a great institution that has its eyes set squarely on success and academic excellence," Silver said. Silver told the audience that he had met with students over the past several days to discuss issues that are important to them. He also lauded the record enrollment of the 2012 freshmen class. "If this freshman class is to begin its journey toward becoming the largest graduating class, it also means that all administrators, all faculty and all staff will have to fully engage and walk with them throughout this journey," said Silver. He also spoke about what he has seen and heard on campus during the short time he has served as President. "This week and a half that I have served here, I have been completely amazed and thrilled with what I have seen in the faculty, staff and students," Silver said. Silver closed with a special message to students: "I charge you with one thing--go forth and do yourself proud." Once Silver ended his remarks, the students took center stage with a medley of songs from "Whitney," a popular Theatre Arts production. The Whitney Houston hits were revised with original lyrics written by Dramatic Guild director Brian Martin, Theatre Arts professor Anthony Stockard and Theatre Arts students. Each song featured special lyrics welcoming President Silver to the University. "My goal was to celebrate new beginnings and a fresh start for the University," said Martin, who directed the Convocation performance. "We wanted to celebrate a new era of leadership and show Dr. Silver that he has our full support." Silver said he was touched by the performance and was impressed by the talent of ASU's students. "The production by the students was first class. If there was any doubt why we serve students and provide our time and effort at ASU, that was laid to rest during the Convocation. Our students, in one word, were fantastic," Silver said. Olivia Butler, a freshman from Montgomery, was all smiles when the Convocation ended. "This was amazing. This is the first convocation I've ever been to and the first time I've heard from our President. I'm glad I decided to come to ASU," Butler said. >> VIEW PHOTO GALLERY<http://www.alasu.edu/multimedia/photos/120927_convo/index.aspx> SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2012meeting-form.html for the October 21-23, 2012 HBCU Library Alliance 5th Membership Meeting and the Photographic Preservation Pre-Conference in New Orleans, LA. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.