Convocation 2026 Invites New Saints to Seek Out Their Purpose and Vocation

Emmanuel College officially opened its 108th school year on Sept. 1 with an Academic Convocation Ceremony focused on growth, purpose, and welcoming the Class of 2030. 

“College is about preparing you for a fast-moving and competitive world,” said President Beth Ross. “But Emmanuel, as a Catholic college, is also committed to educating the whole of you: your intellect and imagination, your relationships and values, your sense of wonder and your sense of purpose.” 

“We want you to leave here prepared not simply for what you will do, but for who you will become,” she added. 

President Ross also offered three pieces of advice for new students, urging them to make time for experiences that help them grow, to think critically—especially with thoughts holding them back, and to embrace rough drafts as a necessary first step toward producing outstanding work. 

“The key is to act, even if you don’t feel ready,” said President Ross. “As soon as you have something…you’ll experience the momentum to revise, course-correct, and arrive at work you’re proud of…starting imperfectly does not excuse us from doing great work; rather, it makes great work possible.”

Academic convocations are a long-standing tradition in higher education. In welcoming the assembly, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Peter Cahn noted Emmanuel is a liberal arts institution that equips students to both understand the world and improve it. Dr. Cahn noted that process had already begun, citing part of orientation where incoming students were invited to discuss “wicked problems” facing society—the ones that motivate them to search for truth and ways to help.  

“We believe education is not simply the acquisition of technical skills or professional credentials,” said Dr. Cahn. “It is the cultivation of wisdom: the ability to see reality more fully, to discern what is right, and to act for the common good.”

The keynote speaker for Convocation 2026 was Dr. Jason King, Director of the Center for Catholic Studies at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. He spoke to the value of higher education—noting that college graduates on average make $1.2 million more over their careers—but he emphasized the importance of meaningful work.

Dr. King cited his own experience as an example. He started as a math major in college, but gained new insight into that path after a professor filled four chalkboards with proofs during an early morning complex analysis class. 

“He turned around after he wrote it… with a tear in his eye, and said ‘isn’t that the most beautiful thing you’ve seen in your life?” said Dr. King. “I thought ‘I’m not a math major,’ but I also thought: ‘that’s what I want; I want that love and passion.”

Now a theology professor, Dr. King has studied comparisons between Catholic and secular education. His findings: graduates of Catholic institutions are more likely to be involved with their community, more likely to prioritize ethical decision making, and are more likely to find meaning in their work. 

“Graduates of Catholic colleges tend to view work differently…they are more likely to say their work is a vocation, that has meaning and purpose,” said Dr. King. “It’s not just a job…it matters to you; it makes the world better.”

Senior Class President Annabeth Wheeler also advised new students to step outside their comfort zone. She recalled being shy as a first-year student, sitting in the back of class and hoping her name wouldn’t be called. Wheeler changed her approach for her second year, and advised new Saints to do likewise.    

“I started sitting closer to the front, answering questions, and making sure professors knew me,” said Wheeler. “That confidence followed me outside of the classroom, too. I got involved, took on leadership opportunities, and found ways to make an impact on the Emmanuel community.” 

“Looking back, each of those experiences has shaped me into the person standing in front of you today,” added Wheeler. “Being an Emmanuel student is not just about what you learn in a classroom. It is about building the confidence to become the person you want to be.”