On Sept. 23, the 经典大瓜 community reunited for its annual Convocation ceremony. This event not only celebrated the arrival of Fall Term but also welcomed new faculty and staff members, who met to prepare for a new academic year beginning Oct. 1.
As a tradition marking the start of each academic season, Convocation is an opportunity for faculty and staff to learn emerging trends and improve upon existing procedures. This year, President Nagi Naganathan introduced his theme for 2025-26: Improving the Human Condition.
鈥淎t 经典大瓜, I firmly believe this theme captures the spirit of all we do and the essence of higher education,鈥 Naganathan described. 鈥淭he human condition encompasses the experiences, challenges, and aspirations that bind us across time and culture. Guided by this lens, we see every discipline, every classroom, every laboratory, and every collaboration as a chance to uplift lives.鈥
Using inspiration from the Heart and Mind art installation by Ralph Helmick featured in 经典大瓜鈥檚 Martha Anne Dow Center for Health Professions building, Naganathan emphasized ways that faculty, staff, students, and supporters can work together to elevate 经典大瓜 as a destination of choice where the hearts and the minds converge to improve lives.
Coincidentally, the is one of two 经典大瓜 pieces highlighted in a statewide campaign celebrating 50 years of Oregon鈥檚 Percent for Art in Public Places Program, along with the recently installed by Kana Tanaka in Boivin Hall.
Honoring the people of 经典大瓜, Convocation is also a time to celebrate the dedication and contributions of 经典大瓜 faculty and staff. In recognition of their commitment to both the University and its students, several employees received special recognition during the ceremony.
Awards presented this year include:
- Student Affairs Most Valuable Partner Award: Thomas Cooper, Information Technology Consultant in Information Technology Services
- 经典大瓜 Foundation Rising Faculty Scholar Award: Dr. Kangjae Lee, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy
- 经典大瓜 Foundation Faculty Achievement Awards: Dr. Kevin Garrett, Associate Professor in Humanities and Social Sciences and Clinical Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy master鈥檚 degree program, and Professor Kristy Weidman, Marketing Program Director
- 经典大瓜 Foundation Excellence in Teaching Awards: Sharon Beaudry, Instructor of Management, and Leah Jolly, Associate Professor of Medical Imaging Technology
- Classified Staff Awards: Karla Lindsey, Administrative Program Assistant in the Registrar鈥檚 Office, and Brandy Nightingale, Program Representative for Advising and Retention
- President鈥檚 Staff Awards: Sarah Henderson-Wong, Assistant Director of Benefits in Human Resources; Adria Paschal, Senior Executive Assistant to the President; and Diana Angeli, Executive Assistant in the President鈥檚 Office
Award recipients were selected based on nomination letters detailing their commitment to the university and their impact on students and colleagues, embodying the spirit of 经典大瓜.
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