About Convocation
In academia, the word "convocation" refers to a ceremonial assembly of the members of a college or university. Traditionally, academic convocations celebrate special events such as the beginning of the academic year or the anniversary of an institution.
In 1997, Texas A&M re-established the practice of Academic Convocation as a celebration of the university's progress and an opportunity to discuss the university's plans for the future. The 1997 convocation focused on internal indicators of academic quality and achievement and holders of endowed chairs and professorships were recognized. For that convocation, the first since 1976 that marked the university's centennial, President Ray M. Bowen presented a major state-of-the-university address.
The 1998 convocation focused on external indicators of quality and the critical contributions made by flagship universities. Robert M. Berdahl, chancellor of the University of California at Berkeley and former president of The University of Texas at Austin, presented a keynote address on the role of flagship universities.
The 1999 convocation again focused on internal indicators of academic quality. President Bowen gave a brief state-of-the-university address, and keynote speaker C. Peter Magrath, president of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, discussed serving and empowering people in the new millennium.
Convocation 2000 featured a keynote address by Graham B. Spanier, president of Penn State University, who discussed "The Engaged University: Our Partnership with America."
On October 4, 2001, Texas A&M University celebrated the 125th anniversary of its opening. The celebration included not only an Academic Convocation but also a special conference one- day conference on "Higher Education In and For a Just Society," and a gala dinner dance. The Convocation featured a keynote address by Harold T. Shapiro, president emeritus and professor of economics and public affairs at Princeton University.
The 2002 Academic Convocation served as the occasion of the installation of Robert M. Gates as the 22nd president of Texas A&M University.
In 2003, James J. Duderstadt, university professor of science and engineering and president emeritus of The University of Michigan, presented an address entitled "The Changing Nature of Research and the Future of the Research University." In addition, President Gates presented the state-of-the-university address.
For 2004, university leaders decided to schedule Academic Convocation closer to the beginning of the academic year and to use the occasion to feature the President's state-of-the-university address, as well as the academic procession and pageantry of previous Convocations.
The same format has been used in subsequent years.
