Convocation: Praise and Criticism

Today we attended the Annual Convocation Ceremony. To be honest, it was not as boring as I thought it would be. My expectations were to sit through a boring speech about how proud Whitworth is of the new class, as well as some "inspirational" Quotes for the seniors. Instead, it began with an interesting twist.

A horn section opened it up with very Medieval sounding music, as all of the Professors marched in behind Whitworth flags. Each prof was wearing a black robe, with some color and flashy ties, much like you'd see at a typical graduation. As the first speaker ascended the stage, we learned this was the 119th Convocation, as well as Academic Year.

The Freshman class was asked to stand. We made up the majority of the audience. After we sat, the returning students were asked to stand. Rather than be overwhelmed by the population, all I could notice was the difference in numbers. I couldn't help but wonder if this reflected a conflict of interest, or a "burning out" of older students. But more to come on that as the year progresses.

The President of ASWU (Associated Students of Whitworth University), Obe, read a verse from Ecclesiastes. After this, the highlight of the ceremony ascended the stage; The great B-Rob. A President like I've never met before, B-Rob proceeded to deliver a powerful speech (with which I only found a few small flaws, but more on those later in the post). His humor was wonderfully mixed in with his seriousness, which made the speech easy to follow. There were seven main points he was imparting, all of which stemmed from this quote: "Esther, could it be that you have come to a royal position, for a time such as this?"

His seven points of advice are as follows:
1. Don't answer this question too quickly. (this one is sort of obvious)
2. When you know the right thing to do, you cannot be intimidated by the consequences.
3. "Such a time as this" means risks, but not Stupid Risks. ("Dumb risks are Dumb." -Bill Robinson, Sept 2008)
4. Underestimating Smart women is ALWAYS a stupid risk. (this was met by loud, female sounding applause and cheers)
5. There are moments in time when greatness will come within reach. (they're not always there, so you need to wait for the right moment)
6. Behind all greatness if faithfulness.
7. "Such a time as this" is almost always revealed in the form of something challenging.

After B-Rob was done with his message, a hymn was sung to close the ceremony.

On to the less positive: My criticism of the ceremony. B-Rob made a point to say this, and I quote: "You must respect differences, and push for equality." Now, I agree whole heartedly with this idea. Without respect of differences, however core they may be, equality and tolerance cannot happen. Here's the flaw: This is from the same man who has refused to allow a GSA club on campus, or to be official. I see a conflict of interests here. Some people may try to say that a GSA is "different" somehow. However, no matter how you examine this issue, there is a conflict of ideals here. If you wish for true equality, and constantly preach tolerance and acceptance, maybe it's time to have some of your own, Whitworth.