First-Year Convocation

The 1978 First-Year Student Convocation, held on September 15, featured jazz artist Mary Lou Williams, Jazz Artis, who received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Loyola.

The First-Year Student Convocation is an annual celebration of the university life and traditions of Loyola University Chicago, one of which is officially inducting all freshmen into their graduating class. Students are welcomed to the university community by the President, Provost, Vice President of Student Development, faculty, and staff. The convocation address is the new student's first academic lecture; it is an introduction to the interplay between the mind and heart at Loyola. Persons chosen as convocation speakers contribute to the common good of society and work in the service of others, thus providing new students with a living example of what it means to live an extraordinary life in the Loyola tradition. The tradition of a First Year convocation address dates back to 1925. In 2009, a special convocation welcome walk was introduced to welcome incoming students to the Loyola community. During the walk, first-year students process through campus, starting at Cudahy Library's ceremonial south door and ending at the First-Year Convocation.