~ Photos and article by Taylor Blaire Mosher, COSS media assistant
The College of Social Sciences held its first annual fall convocation in early September to welcome new students to the college and welcome back returning students. Complete with informative presentations by faculty, live performances, campus catering and several prize drawings, the event drew in nearly 150 students and faculty.
The annual fall convocation was developed to help both new and returning students get to know their college and gave students an opportunity to learn about the several programs the college offers. Students learned about student involvement opportunities and met their advisors and faculty.
The event was held in the quad between the Social Science, McKee Fisk, Professional Food Services and Family and Food Science buildings. Beneath a large, white tent, students, faculty and advisors gathered together to ring in the new school year and share both resources and opportunities with those in attendance.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard opened the event, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Michelle DenBeste, interim dean for the College of Social Sciences. All attendees then joined Dr. Asia Smith, director of the Fresno State Gospel Choir, in a short gospel lesson that had everyone on their feet, clapping and singing along. The event went on to include the introduction of faculty members, a performance by Los Danzantes de Aztlan dance troupe and a speech by Dr. DenBeste meant to encourage all students to get involved in the college and to reassure them the faculty and staff of the college are always there to help them “find their place” in the college and in their future careers.
“Fall Convocation was an opportunity to bring students and faculty together from across the college and to celebrate our programs,” DenBeste said. “We hope to begin creating a sense of community as a college, connecting student leaders and student groups to one another from across our diverse collection of departments.”
Though the 2017 Fall Convocation was the first of its kind for the College of Social Sciences, it will not be the last. Moving forward, the event is expected to be held at the beginning of each fall semester to help welcome students.
Check out our slideshow below for highlights from this year’s event.
Fresno State College of Social Sciences 