New School Year Gets Underway With 125th Convocation

President Michael Rounds, speaking at the 125th Convocation, officially opening the new school year, said “This is Williamson’s 125th Convocation, but it is our first Convocation as Williamson College of the Trades.”

He also said, “Mary Nell and I are starting our third year here and we feel truly blessed to be a part of Williamson. This is a beautiful school and these are great students.”

Nicholas DeBenedictis, chairman of Aqua America, Inc., in his keynote address, said to the students, “The time has never been better to choose a career as a skilled  craftsman, and you couldn’t have picked a finer institution than Williamson College of the Trades. Whether you’re just starting out or nearing the end of your time here, Williamson’s unparalleled reputation will open doors for you after graduation and throughout your career. And that is because Williamson values and educates the whole person — a tradition that dates all the way back to the school’s founder, Isaiah Williamson.”

He added that, “You will leave Williamson College with technical expertise, communications skills, business acumen, and the highest ethical standards — everything you need to grow in a career with a company or create your own destiny as an entrepreneur. The five core values are what makes Williamson great. Don’t ever forget that.”

Guests, who included trustees, alumni, friends, faculty, and staff, enjoyed breakfast in the Sabia Garden and then observed the student lineup and raising of the flag in front of the Main Building, before joining the students in the Clara Schrenk Memorial Chapel for the Convocation.

The ceremony also included Mark Specht 7W7, chaplain, giving the invocation and benediction; welcoming remarks from Williamson’s new vice president of Education, Samuel Wrightson, Ph.D.; Jesse Anderson, student ministry leader, giving the responsorial psalm and leading the pledge of allegiance; and a scripture reading by Jared Pendelton, Class of 1W6 president.

Listen to the entire Convocation service below:
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