09/13/05
By David Denninger,
Contributor
On Tuesday, September 13, the faculty and students of Seton Hill University came together in Cecilian Hall at the Fall Honors Convocation to recognize, as Dr. Mary Ann Gawelek put it, "Upperclassmen who have excelled in (their) academic and personal lives."
University president Joanne Boyle said that not only does the convocation "honor academic achievement," but it "brings people together in the community and allows freshmen to see their peers' (success), and say to themselves, 'That's going to be me next year!'"
Some upperclassmen, like junior Jimmy Pirlo, attended to "support fellow peers and see them recognized for their accomplishments."
Following a short introduction, Sr. Lois Sculco, SC, led a prayer for victims of both Hurricane Katrina and 9/11 before turning over the ceremony to the various Division Chairs for the presentation of the awards and scholarships.
Awards were presented for almost every discipline in the humanities, social sciences, and visual and performing arts.
Receiving most attention from both the president and the audience were the presentations of the President's Award for Service. Boyle explained these awards are, "in recognition of exemplary service to others."
Carmen Marotta, one of the two recipients, said "(I) didn't know until two hours before... They kind of tricked me; they just told me that a number of RA's were being recognized."
Promptly after the President's Award, Gawelek introduced Dr. Edgar Baird Highberger, Seton Hill University's Professor of the Year. Highberger spoke about, "Passion and Calling."
"Passion means strong devotion to activities, enthusiasm for a cause, and zeal or energetic pursuit of an aim," Highberger said. He explained that calling and career can mean the same thing, but they are "distinguishable."
According to Highberger, one who follows his calling is, "valuable, makes a difference... and views ambition as a good servant but a bad master." During the speech, he told the students, "To hell with careers! What's your calling?"
After Highberger's speech, with which President Boyle was visibly pleased, freshmen in attendance were invited to meet the university administrators in a reception line, and to mingle with professors on the Administration Building lawn.
Refreshments were available, and students, both award recipients and their supporting peers, concluded the event by exchanging ideas with professors in light-hearted conversation.
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