A & S Convocation emphasizes community engagement

Both the student and faculty addresses at the Arts & Sciences Honors Convocation emphasized the importance of community involvement through the application of a liberal arts education.

The addresses were given by a senior interdisciplinary major, Cheleah Jackson, and Jennifer Erkulater, an associate professor of political science at the University of Richmond.

Forced to yell out to the crowd for the first half of her speech because of a broken microphone, Jackson reminded the class of 2012, "We are officially 26 days away from graduating from the University of Richmond."

Jackson shared with the audience the impact Richmond has had on her, and both the good and bad habits she has acquired. Some of the good habits she cited were participating in service trips, giving back to the community and working hard to finish her tasks. She also mentioned the bad habits she has picked up: pulling all nighters, sleeping through the classes after finally finishing the work for that class and overspending on sweatpants in the University of Richmond Bookstore.

She encouraged the audience, saying, "Let's not say goodbye to the habits we have made here."

Jackson ended her address by calling students to continue to give back to the community and do what we know is right. "There will be times when we go unnoticed for the things we've done," she said. But it is important to do these good things anyway, she said.

Erkulwater followed Jackson and discussed the connection between a liberal arts education and community involvement. She said the most important concepts that students gain from a liberal arts education were: voice and action.

Citing a personal experience from one of her past classes, Erkulwater explained that often students look for answers in the library rather than trusting their own voice. Her advice to her students and to the audience was, "Find your voice. Find out what it is you have to say. Find out what it is that you have to contribute."

Once we learn where a problem lies and find a solution for the problem, we cannot for get the in between part - the action, she said. "It's not just about talking, it's not just about words," she said. "What we don't have much of is action."

She encouraged students to become an active and engaged members of the community. It is through this process of voice and action that students can find their purpose and the passion, she said.

Jackson's studies at Richmond focus on educational policy administration, and she has a minor in Rhetoric and Communications studies. She is a member of the Residence Life Staff and UMOJA Gospel Choir Vision Team. She also has been involved in tutor students in the Richmond area. After graduation, Jackson will work as a career counselor for the Church Hill Academy private school, according to the handout provided at the convocation.

Erkulwater earned a bachelor's degree from Rhodes College in 1995 and her PhD from Boston College in 2001. She teaches courses on the American welfare state, public policy and politics at Richmond and is currently on sabbatical. She also teaches community-based learning courses that promote active engagement in social issues in the city of Richmond, according to a handout provided at the convocation.

The Arts & Sciences Honors Convocation also featured special music performances by Richmond students and awards were given out to students reflecting scholarship achievements during their time at Richmond.

The convocation was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Canon Memorial Chapel. Class schedules were modified for 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon classes to allow for attendance of the convocation.

Contact staff writer Maria Rajtik at maria.rajtik@richmond.edu