MANSFIELD, PA—The academic year at Mansfield University got underway with Convocation on Friday in Straughn Hall.
MU Interim President Scott Barton welcomed the 
campus community. President Barton addressed the incoming freshman class and transfer students sharing that, “Everyone here in Straughn Auditorium and on this campus, is here to help you succeed. From our fantastic faculty, our amazing staff and administration, your fellow students—we are all here to help you on your journey towards being the best version of yourself.”
Citing examples of how the Mansfield Creed, adopted in 1912, still is relevant today, Barton added, “We know that our core principles (Character, Scholarship, Culture, and Service) that bind us together are strong. Here at Mansfield you will find a welcoming environment full of new experiences that will enrich your life for years to come.”
Professor Kathy Wright, chair of the Department of Health Sciences, was the featured speaker for the ceremony. In her address, “Find Your Passion From Within,” she recounted her personal story of slowly going deaf, beginning in graduate school in the 1980s, until receiving a cochlear implant in 2006, which allowed her to hear again.
“Some really great things came out of being deaf,” Wright said. “I had to lose my hearing to regain it and embrace a new way to hear. I feel like I have been given a new life. My son learned to read at a young age due to captioning. I have shared this tip with the local schools and with mothers of children who struggle to read. I have had an opportunity to teach other health care professionals how to work with people who experience hearing loss, visual impairments, and auditory difficulties.
“I learned to take advantage of opportunities, not people,” she added. “You may face your own challenges that others don’t know about, but everyone needs to do their best to follow their passion. My passion might be different from yours, but our passions all create an amazing world. Don’t be afraid to embrace who you are. Take advantage of all that you have to offer the world. If people around you don’t embrace your passions, that’s O.K. as long as you are making your contributions.”
Convocation is presented by the Mansfield University Senate. “The Spirit and The Pride of Pennsylvania” MU Marching Band performed outside Straughn Hall before and after the ceremony. The Pride Brass Quintet and members of the Concert Choir performed during Convocation.
Following the ceremony, a picnic for students, faculty and staff was held on the lawn in front of Memorial Hall. 
Following the picnic, a “Fun on the Field” event was held at Van Norman Field for employees and their families.
MU welcomed its newest students to campus on Thursday. Returning students began arriving Friday.
The new students take part in a series of orientation activities and events throughout the weekend to help prepare them for college life.
Classes begin on Monday.
To see more photos from Convocation, click here.