Convocation primes students for semester

With a mix of serious advice and humor, Kansas University leaders and students gathered Wednesday night for the university’s 138th annual opening convocation.

The event officially kicked off the school year. Classes begin today.

“I can’t tell you what your college education will be,” Chancellor Robert Hemenway said. “It is different for every individual. And it defies easy definition. A college education is not something that occurs just over a four-year period. It stays with you. It becomes a way of thinking and learning for a lifetime.”

About 1,500 students — mostly freshmen — attended the event at the Lied Center.

Hemenway pledged support from KU’s faculty members, most of whom have a deep conviction in their field of study, he said.

“For example, I am an English teacher,” Hemenway told the students. “I have a personal conviction that the study of American literature can create health, strength and wisdom. It also can improve your love life. It may not be the total answer to your inability to get dates, but trust me, it will help.”

Andy Knopp, student body president, noted that KU is ranked ninth for party schools by Playboy magazine. He said there would be plenty of parties, and that students shouldn’t feel the need to attend all of them.

“The biggest mistake I made and a lot of people made as freshmen is think tonight is the last night to party,” he said. “They’ll be there.”

He also noted that only 52 percent of entering freshmen classes in recent years have finished school in four to five years.

“Here at KU I think we can really work to improve that,” he said. “Let’s work together to make sure everyone in this room walks down the Hill in four or five years.”

Kevin Dickson, a sophomore from Kansas City, Kan., said he felt obligated to attend the convocation because of his position as social chairman at Battenfeld Scholarship Hall.

He said he appreciated Hemenway’s humor.

“I’ve listened to him speak enough it doesn’t surprise me,” Dickson said. “It might as well be entertaining.”

Brecken Lee, a freshman from Inman, said she went to convocation because it was a requirement for her sorority rush process.

“I thought (Hemenway) was a good speaker,” she said. “This just starts off the school year. It’s a good way to get everybody in the spirit.”