At Convocation, the Start of a Yearlong Conversation
For first-year students, the college experience can be exciting, overwhelming, and nerve-wracking—in all the best and worst ways.
For Assistant Professor of Education Joy Dangora Erickson, those jitters never left—even when she was pursuing her doctorate.
Erickson, the 2024 Academic Excellence Award winner, and this year’s Convocation speaker, told the Class of 2028 that her anxiety once hindered her from using her voice.
“Going into my program of study, I had no idea what kind of work was involved,” she said. “I learned quickly that it was nothing like the work I had done before. The newness and the challenge of the work sparked several panic attacks.”
Giving talks about her research to people with far more knowledge and experience was especially panic-inducing. “I often doubted my work and wondered what I could contribute to expert dialogue,” she told a packed audience at the Ayune Michel ’72 Academic Quad on August 28.
But thanks to an intentional support system, Erickson overcame her fears. “I realized I could use my voice in meaningful ways to improve my life and the lives of many young people,” she continued. “I realized that I offered a perspective that no one else could because the way I saw the world and performed my work was shaped by my individual experiences—just as the way you see the world and do your work will be.”
Erickson’s reflection was a candid and powerful invitation to the Class of 2028 to embrace this year’s academic theme, “Join the Conversation,” which encourages open discussions on various topics, including gender, mental health, belonging, and politics.
Throughout the 2024-25 academic year, a dynamic series of events will offer more opportunities for engagement, creating a vibrant environment where the entire Gull community can participate in conversations that explore ideas, challenge assumptions, and shape the future through open and respectful dialogue.
Each academic theme is carefully chosen, explained President Steven R. DiSalvo, Ph.D., “based upon trends we see on campus, what our students tell us, and what’s happening in the world.”
“We live in a world where conversations are happening all around us—on social media, in the news, in classrooms, in coffee shops,” he continued. “But here’s the thing: it’s not just about talking. It’s about listening, understanding, and thinking critically about what you’re hearing.”
For Erickson, who is working on a project titled Dancing for Democracy—which explores how civic agency in children can be cultivated in early childhood spaces—enthused: “I am ridiculously excited about this theme because it embodies democracy. It prioritizes honoring every community member’s voice to improve our individual and collective wellbeing.”
President DiSalvo also emphasized that, as we embark on this exciting chapter of growth and discovery, our campus is evolving too. Earlier that afternoon, the community unveiled the campus’ newest residence hall, Venuti Hall, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that honored Tony Venuti, who chaired the Facilities Committee of the Board of Trustees for more than 20 years.
But with exciting happenings like the seawall restoration and renovation of Lower Callahan—even a new mascot on the way—“our collective path ahead is filled with even more opportunities to learn, create, and transform 西瓜视频—both individually and as a community,” President DiSalvo noted.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Brandi Johnson agreed.
Johnson told the Class of 2028 that throughout her 16-year tenure at the College, she’s witnessed countless students, faculty, and staff join together to create positive change, speak up for what is right, and challenge the status quo.
“I’ve learned that the true strength of our community lies not just in our individual accomplishments, but in our collective willingness to engage in meaningful conversations, to listen deeply, and to act with purpose,” she said.
“As we embark on this new academic year, we are committing ourselves to engaging with these voices through our academic theme, recognizing that it is through these personal exchanges that we weave the rich fabric of our diverse community.”
Convocation, which included a rousing performance from the 西瓜视频 Singers, also featured remarks from elementary education major and Student Government President Jordan LaValley ’25.
LaValley encouraged the Class of 2028 to embrace the academic year as “a blank slate.”
“That gives you the opportunity to start writing your future to be the way you want it to be,” she said, adding, “And do not be ashamed to ever ask for help.”
LaValley also cautioned Gulls to savor every moment because the next four years will fly by in the blink of an eye.
“I know that is cliché to say, however here I am, standing before you, three short years later, about to start my senior year, and wishing time would just slow down.”
Photos by Mazzie Hinsdale ’26 and Karisa Juneau ’27