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Students of the Class of 2015 gath-
ered at Gunnison Memorial Chapel
last fall to celebrate their accep-
tance into the Laurentian community
in the inaugural First-Year Convocation
ceremony.
The ceremony’s purpose was to en-
courage students to support St. Lawrence
and commit to University values of
strong personal and academic integrity
and social responsibility, explained then
Thelmo President John “Robby” Glass
’13. It was developed to show students
the benefits and responsibilities of
becoming a Laurentian, he said. First-
years were introduced to the University’s
history, traditions and community values,
with emphasis on standards of personal
conduct and the importance of academic
honesty.
In his remarks, Glass stressed the
importance of involvement through
organizations and volunteer opportuni-
ties. “Everyone needs to leave a mark on
St. Lawrence, so why not start now?” he
said.
Rachel Yalowich ’12, chair of the Aca-
demic Honor Council, reminded students
of the importance of academic integrity.
“When a person cheats, it reflects badly
on the entire student body,” she said.
Deena Glitz McCullough ’84, presi-
dent of the Alumni Executive Council,
told the new students to start thinking
about their years at St. Lawrence sooner
rather than later. “You have the power to
make choices and open yourself to new
opportunities,” she said. "We all have
SLU in common. And like a family, we
all look out for each other. Work hard,
love often and enjoy every minute of this
experience.”
“I am privileged to be a Laurentian,”
President William L. Fox ’75 said. He
urged the newcomers to look at the
portraits of alumni throughout campus to
gain a greater appreciation for those who
made it possible for them to become part
of the Laurentian community.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, stu-
dents were invited to sign a book signify-
ing their commitment to the academic
honor code and pledging themselves to
the Laurentian community (pictured).
In so doing, they agreed to abide by the
rules of academic honesty and to encour-
age their peers to do the same.
The convocation, which is planned
to become an annual event, was the
outgrowth of a 2011 Innovation Grant.
The grants, according to Lisa Cania, vice
president for community and employee
relations, were provided to encourage
innovative creativity by students, faculty
and staff. First-Year Convocation was
created with the “sincere hope that these
students will become Laurentians for
life,” Cania said.
—Renee Hilbrunner ’12
First Year for First-Year
Convocation
Hail to the Profs
Within recent years, the first two women
ever to teach in St. Lawrence’s govern-
ment department retired. As a tribute to
the careers of these pioneering women, in Octo-
ber the department unveiled “Legacy Portraits”
of Laura O’Shaughnessy, left, and Sandy Hinch-
man in Hepburn Hall. Hinchman, a specialist in
political philosophy, retired as Munsil Professor in
2009 after 34 years on the faculty; Dana Professor
O’ Shaughnessy retired in 2008 after 30 years of
service, and was an authority in democratization
in Central America.
Correspondence
Mystery Picture
The “unknown” photo on the inside
front cover of the Fall 2010 SLU maga-
zine is a detail of the right side of the
stained glass window in the end of the
Herring-Cole Reading Room, depicting
the St. Lawrence seal.
Daniel Reiff
Kenmore, New York
The picture on the inside cover is of the
stained glass window in Herring-Cole. I
loved that building while I was there—
its architecture, and almost haunted
empty darkness. It was a good quiet
place to be.
Kate Schneider Halliburton ’05
Colorado Springs, Colorado
The writers were the first two to respond to
our quiz in last fall’s magazine. Dr. Reiff
is the son of longtime Professor Harry
Reiff. Also replying were Rob English ’90
and Sara Norman ’88.
St. Lawrence welcomes letters to the edi-
tor on topics addressed in this magazine
or on topics pertinent to St. Lawrence
University. Letters should be brief and
to the point. The editors reserve the
right to decline letters deemed inap-
propriate, and to edit letters for clarity,
length and civility. We will publish let-
ters responding to previously published
letters only through the second issue
following the appearance of the first
letter. Please send letters to nburdick@
stlawu.edu.
6 Winter 2012 . S t. Lawrence University Magazine
On Campus