After decades of Academic Convocations at Merrimack College, it could be easy to forget why the Warrior community celebrates it in the first place.
But Dorie Mansen, associate vice president for mission and ministry and the 2025 Academic Convocation keynote speaker, was quick to remind attendees during the Sept. 3 event why it is important.
“Through ritual, we negotiate our identities, our relationships, our values and our very place within larger social and power structures,” explained Mansen. “Doing these things today, we are participating in the academic community, true. But there is so much more – we are maintaining our community, we are shaping our community, we are becoming our community.”
Hundreds gathered on Sullivan Quad for this year’s Academic Convocation to celebrate the start of the new academic year. In addition to first-year students, attendees included members of the Class of 2026, who processed into the event wearing the same graduation robes they will wear at Commencement in May.
Mansen was named the Convocation speaker after receiving the 2025 Edward G. Roddy, Jr. Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award this past spring.
“What if we treated each day as a ritual in which the ordinary could become extraordinary?,” Mansen asked the crowd. “What if we treated ourselves and our peers and our colleagues like they were truly human beings, valued for who they are and not what they do? This is my challenge to you this year – choose your rituals wisely as human beings.”
Merrimack College President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D., said Convocation and Mass of the Holy Spirit are among his favorite days on the academic calendar.
“The most important lesson I can give you as the president, having done this 16 times, is to take a deep breath,” he advised the first-year students during his remarks. “Enjoy yourself, have fun, don’t worry and if you feel lost or can’t find your friends, come see us. We’ll help you. We’re here for you.”
John “Sean” Condon, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, advised students to take full control of their education with curiosity, courage, hard work and humility.
“If you develop and practice this habit of mind, you will be in a great place to build upon what you learn at Merrimack to what you encounter for the rest of your life,” he continued. “Here to help you, mentor you, and support you as you acquire those skills are our talented and accomplished faculty. No matter their discipline or area of expertise, our faculty are here to model effective approaches to getting at the truth and to support and mentor students along the way.”
