On Sunday, September 27, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., the University of Washington welcomed over 5,000 entering students, family members and guests at an inspirational convocation in the Bank of America Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. The ceremony featured an address by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and UW alum David Horsey.

UW President Mark Emmert presided over the event and promised the incoming class that the entire University community was committed to nuturing their talents and providing them with a transformative learning experience

In his opening remarks University Marshal and professor of philosophy Ronald Moore referred to American philosopher John Dewey, who believed that "value most readily accrues to experience when we articulate it into episodes with beginnings, middles, and ends--and then take time to think about what those episodes mean." Moore pointed out that ceremonies like Freshman Convocation create meaning by serving as the punctuation points of experience and encouraged the students to "stop and reflect" on this moment in their lives. "In beginning your studies here, you are ending one stage of your lives.  Think about it!  And you are starting another!  Think about that!"

ASUW President Tim Mensing encouraged the students to get involved in campus life and Ed Taylor, the Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, described the amazing diversity of the incoming class. Provost Phyllis Wise introduced our newest Huskies to several of the UW's world renowned faculty members and talked about some of the amazing opportunities for research and discovery that await them - even as undergraduates.

Mr. Horsey told the students that they would travel their own varied paths to success, but whether the route was direct or involved several changes in direction and unexpected delays and detours, they would arrive and find inspiration in the years they spent here at the University of Washington.

The convocation closed with a wonderful performance of the University's new school song, "Rise Up with Pride for Washington," performed by the University of Washington Glee Club, under the direction of professor Steven Demorest, and the UW Wind Ensemble, under the direction of professor Timothy Salzman

President's Picnic

Following the convocation President Mark A. Emmert hosted the third annual President's Picnic under a massive white tent on the Rainier Vista lawn. Our newest Huskies and their guests were able to chat informally with the President, Dean Taylor, and many of the University's faculty members and administrators. One lucky guest at each table received a copy of the book, "The Fountain and the Mountain," a history of the University full of wonderful photographs and they were soon lined up in front of the President to get their copies autographed. An outstanding UW jazz ensemble, Jazz Hunter Quartet, entertained everyone with jazz standards and the food from Laurel Bay Catering was delicious! Even Mt. Rainier made an appearance! It was a marvelous way to celebrate the arrival of the incoming Class of 2009.