Many Bright Lights: Davidson College Celebrates Spring Convocation

They’ve excelled in learning new languages, leading challenging class discussions and offering insightful interpretations of classical music, literature and dance. Their talents and skills grace Davidson College’s campus every day.

On Tuesday, the college community gathered to celebrate some standout students during the annual Spring Convocation ceremony. It’s a joyful event that not only recognizes achievement, but spotlights leadership, integrity, kindness and service. Convocation also spotlights post-graduate scholarship and fellowship recipients, new honor society members, and the mentors who contribute to their success.

Per tradition, faculty, staff, classmates and friends turned out at the Duke Family Performance Hall to cheer for award winners.

Seniors lined up in caps and gowns in a bit of a dress rehearsal for their May 17 graduation. There were hugs, happy conversations and group selfies. 

And while there are enormous problems facing them as they enter the world, she urged them to pause for the joyful event.

“This is the time to celebrate one another,” Worley said. “And there is so much to celebrate.”

That includes the record-breaking freestyle swimmer, the aspiring physician working to expand medical care for the most vulnerable and the future minister whose faith propels her to reach out to and work with those of differing and diverse beliefs.

They’re future engineers designing sound bridges and buildings, computer scientists ensuring safe data in the age of AI, and environmental researchers predicting and mitigating changing climate patterns. They’re tomorrow’s educators, economists, government and military leaders. They’re truth seekers, problem solvers, and peacemakers.

Hicks said the Convocation ceremony, held amid a caring community, might seem like a sanctuary.

“But let us not forget what we are doing here is not escaping the world or that society beyond us,” Hicks said. “We are lifting up the work you have done, along with thanking the people who have helped prepare you, so that you are ready.

“This has everything to do with building a better society and contributing to the public good.”