Natalia Rodriguez
Arts Editor
The University of La Verne held its annual Convocation celebration Aug. 19 in Sneaky Park.
Unlike most years, the entire event, which began at 11:30 a.m., took place outside.
Rows of tents surrounded the area, inviting students to mingle and learn more about the different resources offered on campus while also offering the chance to win prizes. There were also food trucks: students who had RSVP’d to the event received tickets for either The Habit burgers or Wienerschnitzel.
“Last year we had it inside. . . and attendance from students wasn’t anything all that crazy,” Evan Lyons, Associated Students of the University of La Verne president, said.
“I’m really happy with how. . . they’ve evolved this event to become something that’s a bit better for the community,” Lyons added.
Sarina Sauceda, operations manager at the Randall Lewis Center who tabled for the event, said she was happy to talk to those who approached the center’s tent.
“Everyone just seemed really excited,” Sauceda said. “They were really interested in knowing what we were tabling for, what the Lewis Center is, what we offer, that kind of thing.”
At noon Board of Trustees Representative Wendy Lau took to the podium to welcome students, faculty and staff.
“This kickoff party is a direct reflection of who we are becoming, a place where tradition meets togetherness and where every single one of you belongs,” Lau said.
Lau emphasized the importance of unity through collective pride in the campus and community, which she said begins when welcoming new and returning faces at the start of the new year.
Following her speech, Lau called Lyons to the podium to share a few words.
“Whether you are returning students, a new Leo, a faculty or staff member, or someone joining us in a different capacity, you are now a part of the chapter of our story,” Lyons, senior political science major, said.
Lyons also encouraged students to get involved on campus, try new things and meet new people.
Danielle Penn, graduate and adult student government president, also spoke at the event.
“I am reminded as we begin this new academic year, we’re also coming in with excitement and a little bit of uncertainty,” Penn, master of public administration graduate student, said. “And with that uncertainty, that’s a moment for us to say yes to opportunities that might make us feel a little nervous.”
Penn was glad to speak at Convocation this year and was happy to see how many students were present.
“Even though it was mostly undergrad, I would love to see more adult and graduate students in future events, but we’re trying to get that out there,” Penn said after the event.
The final speaker was ULV President Risa Dickson. She greeted the new members of faculty and staff as well as the over 1,000 new students.
“We have so much important and exciting work that we’re doing to ensure that you all receive a wonderful education and have a really great experience,” Dickson said.
At the end of her speech, Dickson called Lyons, Penn and 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award recipient Psychology Professor Amy Demyan to ring the Spirit Bell, signaling the start of the new year.
“Ringing the bell carries special significance in that it symbolizes unity, a shared identity and the cyclic nature of the academic journey, marking both the start of a new chapter and the culmination of a shared experience,” Dickson said.
Following the speakers, students were once again free to roam and continue browsing the tents, get food or chat with their fellow Leos.
“I think it’s important to make the most of your time here on campus because they have all these events that are usually free, so I don’t know why you wouldn’t go,” Sofia Bowles, transfer theatre major who attended Convocation, said. “I feel like this is going to be the start of my best life yet.”
Convocation ended at 1 p.m. Those who attended had an opportunity to win free Coachella Week 1 tickets by filling out the event survey accessed through a QR code displayed at the tents or an email sent following the event.
Natalia Rodriguez can be reached at natalia.rodriguez@laverne.edu.
Natalia Rodriguez is a senior creative writing and communications major. She is a member of ULV's The Blank Page Writer's Club and has served as a staff member for the school's literary magazine, Prism Review. She is currently arts editor and a staff photographer for the Campus Times and previously served as a staff writer.
Jasmine Lyn is a sophomore photography major and photography editor for the Campus Times. She is also a staff photographer for La Verne Magazine and a former staff photographer for the Campus Times. Her work can also be found at Jazzylyn.com
