August 19, 1996
Freshman Convocation Sept. 29, 1996
At least two thousand freshmen, their parents and guests are expected to attend the 1996 University of Washington Freshman Convocation, to be held at noon Sunday, Sept. 29 in Meany Hall for the Performing Arts. The annual event officially marks the beginning of the new academic school year, with classes starting on Monday, Sept. 30.
The principal speaker this years is Charles Johnson, UW Pollock professor of English. He is known as a novelist, screenwriter, literary critic, cartoonist, philosopher, Kung Fu expert and insightful speaker. He has received numerous awards for his writing, including the 1990 National Book Award for the novel Middle Passage. Formerly the director of the UW creative writing program, Johnson currently teaches fiction. The title of his convocation address is “Four Years of Adventure.”
The academic procession will be led by Ronald M. Moore, associate professor of philosophy and University marshal, carrying the University mace. President Richard L. McCormick, members of the Board of Regents, deans, vice presidents, student leaders, faculty medalists and recent faculty recipients of outstanding teaching awards, among others, will march in the procession.
The convocation also will feature music by the University Wind Ensemble. The event will be preceded by a no-host brunch at 10 a.m. in the Husky Union Building (HUB) Ballroom for freshmen, their families and guests, participants in the ceremony and other University representatives. A limited number of tickets for the brunch will be available at the door. Tickets are not required for the convocation ceremony. After the brunch, and preceding the ceremony, tours of campus will be offered to familiarize the new class with its surroundings. At the conclusion of the convocation, the Alumni Association will host an informal refreshment period in the hall.
