On Tuesday, August 29, at 5:00 p.m., Olivet University marked the beginning of the 2006-2007 Academic Year with Opening Convocation 2006.

The Convocation is an occasion for parents, faculty, student leaders, and members of the administration and governing board to welcome new scholars into the community. Over 70 guests visited Olivet Chapel on the University's main campus in downtown San Francisco, CA to attend this year's event. The ceremony was broadcast live to international viewers.

Faculty members in full regalia gathered at the entrance to the Chapel to form a procession into the sanctuary, accompanied by music from the Jubilee College of Music Ensemble.

The Convocation was presided by University President David James Randolph, who opened the ceremony with a warm welcome and invocation prayer. A series of musical selections and choral devotions conducted by Dean and Professor of Jubilee College of Music Dr. Merrill Smoak segued into the evening's main events.

This year's Convocation featured a speech delivered by The Rev. Andrew T. Lin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Olivet University, during which he charged students to use every opportunity put their learning into practice at the school and in the world.

The highlight of the event was the Convocation Address, delivered by Senior Academic Officer and Dean of Olivet Theological College & Seminary (OTCS) Dr. William Lyle Wagner. The address, wittily titled "Filling in the Details," was a call for the Olivet community to change the world for Jesus Christ at every level. OTCS Professor and Director of Middle East Missions Dr. Joseph Ray Tallman provided an introduction to the Convocation Speaker.

Following the benediction by OTCS Professor Dr. Tom Cowley, parents, faculty, students and staff attended a reception at the Presidential Offices of Olivet University, located nearby the main campus building.