San Francisco, CA. - On Monday, September 8, faculty and staff together with hundreds of students convened at Olivet University for Fall Convocation 2008. The ceremony was held in the University Chapel at the main campus in downtown San Francisco, California. It also was broadcast live to international viewers.
The exercises commenced with a procession of academic leaders into the Chapel, followed by a succession of warmhearted address by University President Dr. David James Randolph welcoming the Olivet community to a new semester. Musical selections and choral devotions from the Jubilee College of Music interspersed the evening's events.
The Convocation Address was delivered by Dr. Mark Wagner, a Southern Baptist Missionary and professor of Olivet Theological College & Seminary. He took the verse from 2 Timothy 2:1-7 entitled "To Be Agents of Change." Dr. Mark Wagner reminded all the community "we have been called to be agents of change for the kingdom of Jesus Christ. You are here to learn. You will receive in order to give! When you study, don't study so that you can get an A, but study as you can be a teacher." His speech greatly exhorted the entire Olivet Community to be a learner despite the difficulties and to be a leader encouraging others always.
Immediately following the convocation, guests enjoyed a special reception to celebrate the opening of a new academic year.