What are convocations?
Derived from the Latin word convocare, convocation means "to call or come together."聽 In other words, it is a formal assembly of people.聽The Lawrence community formally assembles three times during the academic year:
- Matriculation Convocation
Welcomes students, faculty, and staff back to campus.聽Delivered by the University president in September, it marks the start of the new academic year.聽 - University Convocation
Shares ideas and provides insight on contemporary issues. Invited by the faculty Convocations and Commencement Committee, this address is delivered by individuals of high accomplishment in their respective field and takes place during the winter. - Honors Convocation
Celebrates the end of the academic year. Delivered by a member of the Lawrence community, students and faculty achievements are given special recognition.聽聽
2024鈥2025 Convocation Series
Convocations are held in the Lawrence Memorial Chapel and are free and open to the public.
Matriculation Convocation:聽President Laurie A. Carter
Friday, September 20, 2024, 12:30 p.m.
University Convocation: Patricia Smith, poet, spoken-word performer, playwright, author, writing teacher and former journalist
Friday, January 24, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
Honors Convocation: Allison M. M. Fleshman, associate professor of Chemistry
鈥淭he Science of Paint Drying: It鈥檚 more fascinating than it sounds鈥
Friday, May 30, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
Convocation Video Archives
Many of our previous Convocations from the last few years can be found on聽our YouTube Channel in the Convocations Playlist.聽