Williamson College of the Trades kicked off its year on September 10 with the 136th Convocation ceremony that gathered faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and students together in the school’s Clara Schrenk Memorial Chapel to reflect on the year behind them and celebrate the year ahead. Following Invocation and a welcome from Vice President of Academic Affairs/Chief Academic Officer Dr. Michelle Williams, President Michael Rounds shared highlights of the school’s growing enrollment and outcomes.
President Rounds highlighted Williamson’s record enrollment of 340 students for 2026–2027, including the largest freshman class in the college’s history, with 130 students selected from 740 applicants. He also noted that the Class of 2026 was the largest graduating class in school history, with 93 seniors, and that Williamson continues to maintain a five-year average full-time job placement rate of 97%. The college’s semi-annual career fairs also attracted 247 companies from 19 states.
Addressing the students, President Rounds said, “The education and training you receive in your trade is the best in the country, but what really sets Williamson Men apart is the internalization and exemplification of our five core values. Don’t ever forget that or take it for granted. Choose faith when you need strength and direction. Choose integrity when doing the right thing is difficult. Choose diligence by giving your best effort, even when the work is hard. Choose excellence when it will be easier to take the shortcut and choose service when somebody needs help.”
The featured Convocation speaker, Rob Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelization Officer at Live Vertical, is already familiar with Williamson Men, participating regularly in the school’s Ethics Class as a guest lecturer. He shared his journey to faith, purpose, and conviction with those gathered, and offered up prayers for the student body. “You’ve put us in these seats today for a mission. You made us with a purpose to know you, love you, serve you, and your plan for us to live out. This purpose includes Williamson right now.”
Convocation concluded with the singing of the Alma Mater by the Artisans and a Benediction by Rev. Dr. Mark. A. Specht 7W7.
