Looking Forward on Founders' Day
The convocation begins at 11:10 a.m. in Rosse Hall.
Jonathan Tazewell, associate professor of drama, will read the Founders' Memorial, a traditional paean to the memory of the College's leaders, faculty, and students who "have left to us the example of their lives." The names of people from the Kenyon community who have died over the past year are included in the reading.
First-year students will recite the matriculation oath, noting their commitment to "provide the influence of our good example" and to promote the well-being of the College. The ritual has been followed since the 1840s. Tammy Gocial, dean of students, will lead the oath. First-year students will also sign the Matriculation Book, and they will later plant a red oak tree north of Samuel Mather Hall.
Marla Kohlman, associate professor of sociology, will discuss "Speaking Truth to Power."
The Kenyon College Chamber Singers will perform "Blazhenni Yazhe Izbral" by Piotr Tchaikovsky during the convocation and will close with "Kokosing Farewell."
And fourteen new members of Phi Beta Kappa will be introduced during the convocation. The appearance on campus of Phi Beta Kappa visiting scholar Morris Fiorina is being linked to Founders' Day events this year. Fiorina is the Wendt Family Professor of Political Science at Stanford University, and he will discuss "Why Political Science Should Pay More Attention to Sociology" at 1:10 p.m. Thursday in Sunset Cottage and "The Great Disconnect in American Politics" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Higley Auditorium. Fiorina will address "The 2008 Election" at 12:10 p.m. Friday in Higley Auditorium.