September 2011 Archives

As one sat down in the Beutow Music Room, one couldn't help but notice the numerous people congregating for this, the first college convocation of the year. Many of them forced to sit, some not minding it so much, some hating it and showing it. Others were there by choice be they professor's or students or other staff members. All together to hear an hour long speech about Concordia's mission statement and promise (in-the-making) statement. The announcer was in a slight disorganization when it came to his role of speaking. After a jumpy discourse of thanks and random information, he introduced the president of the school who promptly went into a spiel about the idea of Concordia as being "marketable" as a university. He stated how the numerous cultures that were present at Concordia and its location were two major players in as far as one was talking about being appealing to potential students. Being multicultural, Concordia could present a variety of perspectives to the individual attending. Being urban, Concordia offers a location which makes it near the social hub for many of life's pursuits, be they academic, religious, etc. The crowd, by now, was either passionately listening or half asleep. He then went on to describe the mission and how Concordia was currently seeking out a promise to its students which would be in relation to its "marketability".

As far as it could be understood, the convocation seemed to both introduce the convocation system to the new students and to attempt to address the matter of mission and promise. It introduced them to both the dates and the presentation context, being a somewhat formal but possibly entertaining and educational occassion. As far as the mission promise went, the president spoke about the purpose of Concordia which, in summation, is to produce informed, caring, and contemplative individuals who are prepared for the goal which they have set out for (and servants of God if they are Christian). The promise was meant to be something which could be stated that the school would be doing for its students and the difference between that and the mission being that mission is what a school hopes simply to do. The concept of "marketability" was the key to the "promise" part of the presentation.

I didn't think that it was a very good presentation. First off was the matter of some people simply not caring about it. I didn't mind going even though it was a requisite. However, what I did mind was the simple lack of care or, perhaps, respect and the constant odor of someone, for the lack of a better term, breaking wind. That along with my own perturbation and exhaustion may have tinted my perspective when it came to the message. Since the first announcer was lacking in order, the presidents way of speaking, being more organized and with a form of authority which all higher-ups in public circles seem to have, was a breath of fresh air in an otherwise gaseous room (forgive me). Yet even the president's message was, seemingly, without a point. It was more so just him telling us that Concordia was looking for a promise to tell all incoming students... and that was it. Fascinating. I'm sure it's a great topic when held in a conversation among a small group of people, but with a large group of people who would, perhaps, be elsewhere and can't find it in themselves to focus on the matter of Concordia's "promise". I do, however, hope that other convocations can be centered and interesting. In fact, I look forward to it. God bless.