It is an important tradition at Wellesley—not only does it celebrate the beginning of the new year, but it provides an opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to gather together and participate in the College’s vibrant intellectual community. Convocation is a special time for the Wellesley community, calling for academic dress: Faculty wear robes depicting their fields of study and alma maters, and seniors dress—for the first time—in the robes that they will wear on commencement day.

The community was addressed by President Paula Johnson, Provost and Lia Gelin Poorvu ’56 Dean of the College Andy Shennan, and student speakers College Government President Diana Lam ’20 and Chief Justice Nimo Suleyman ’20.

Stepsinging followed.