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From Contributed Reports

A pioneering spirit filled Pioneer Arena as Tusculum University formally launched the academic year by celebrating what students, faculty and staff have achieved and the president urged these Pioneers to make the most of their time in college.

The Opening Convocation is a traditional event to mark the start of the fall semester, and to highlight the joy the university experiences when the students arrive on campus, Tusculum added a new element during this year’s ceremony, held Thursday, Aug. 24. Faculty and staff members formed two lines through which students walked on their way into Pioneer Arena as the employees clapped.

As the new year begins, Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president, shared with students some words of advice provided by a donor during a recent conversation.

“Knowing that you have your whole life ahead of you, she wanted me to remind you to take full advantage of your Tusculum experience,” Dr. Hummel said. “Take full advantage of every class, take full advantage of relationships you establish at Tusculum and take full advantage of the opportunities you have on the field if you are an athlete. She reminded me how quickly this time goes by. This is your time. What an incredible opportunity you have to be alive in this moment. Let’s make the most of this time at Tusculum University.”

Building on that charge, Dr. Hummel tied it into the Tusculum theme for this year – “Called for a Purpose” – from Isaiah 42:6.

“God, the creator of the universe, has called you,” he told the students. “Every one of you holds infinite value because He loves you and has called you. Our ultimate purpose is found in Him. Now is the time for you to discover that purpose. Your purpose will be about more than just you. It will be about making a difference in the lives of others. You not only have an opportunity for this purpose but a responsibility and a duty to seize it.”

At the start of his remarks, Dr. Hummel rejoiced at the many accomplishments of the student body and faculty in the last academic year. Dr. Tricia Hunsader, provost and vice president of academic affairs, spent several minutes detailing many of the ways Tusculum faculty and students attained new heights of excellence. Examples included:

• Promotions in rank for faculty members

• Research and other presentations by faculty and students at local, state, regional and national conferences

• Eight students who earned bachelor’s degrees being accepted into doctoral programs

• Completion of 812 income tax returns, prepared for free, by Tusculum students under the guidance of Dr. Harold Branstrator, associate professor of management

• An appearance by Tusculum band students in an episode on the Food Network

• Publication of written work by Tusculum faculty and students