Bluefield College
Friday, November 20, 2009
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Campus News
Bluefield College Kicks off New Year with President's Convocation  (posted September 17, 2009)
    Bluefield College ceremoniously kicked off the 2009-2010 academic year with the pomp and circumstance of its annual President's Convocation, September 2.
    Dressed in full academic regalia, BC faculty and staff marched into Harman Chapel for the traditional ceremony, which featured formal greetings from BC leadership and a matriculation ceremony for BC freshmen.
   
 
  Vice President Robert Shippey offers the keynote address for the President's Convocation at Bluefield College, a traditional ceremony to kick off the new academic year, which features a matriculation ceremony for new students.
   
    President David Olive welcomed students to the commencement occasion, “particularly new students in the class of 2013.” He reminded listeners about the school's core values, including its desire to be a “Christ-centered community,” it's ability to “develop students' potential,” it's characteristics of “respect, support and encouragement,” and it's passion for “service above self.”
    Other BC leaders offered formal greetings, including Secretary of the Board of Trustees Julie Johnson, Student Government President Mandy Davis, and Faculty President Donna Watson.
    “Remember that the faculty want you to succeed in every way possible,” Dr. Watson told students. “We have great hope in this student body, and we look forward to the year to come.”
    Dr. Robert Shippey, new vice president for academic affairs, offered the convocation address. Dr. Shippey spoke about God's vision for each student.
    “God has a vision for each of you,” he said. “You may not fully see it now, but I promise you it is there. Our job at Bluefield College is to give you the knowledge, to give you the skills, and to love and nurture you to the point that you begin to know God's purpose for your life.”
    The traditional President's Convocation also featured a matriculation ceremony, formally inducting students into the BC student body through the reading of commitment statements by students, faculty and staff.
    During the matriculation service, students vowed to “embrace the values of Bluefield College” and “accept responsibility to participate in developing (their) full potential.”
    Faculty and staff pledged to “make every effort to be teachers of vision, to be wise counselors, to support the students,” and to “share knowledge with enthusiasm, gentleness, and patience.”
    As part of the Convocation program, the college also introduced new faculty and staff, including Rev. Shawn White, instructor of Christian studies; Sarah Beamer, interim vice president for administration and finance; Amy Childress, administrative coordinator for enrollment management; Josh Cline, advancement officer; Laura Ford, assistant athletic trainer; Keith Jennings, assistant coach for men's basketball; Richard Morgan, head coach for men's basketball; Jacques Scott, admissions counselor; and Dr. Shippey, vice president for academic affairs.
    In addition, the program included scripture reading by Dr. Cindy Bascom, assistant professor communications, and special music from BC's select student voice ensemble, Variations, led by Bryant Moxley, assistant professor of music.