Convocation highlights Furman’s opportunities to grow – together

Like a purple river flowing through campus, the Class of 2028 made their way Monday morning in a procession from Paladin Stadium to McAlister Auditorium for this year’s opening convocation. 

The banner-bearers at the head of the crowd of first-year and transfer students were greeted by rows of faculty and staff, applauding the new class as they filed into the auditorium. See this story for details on the first-year class. 

President Elizabeth Davis recalled for them her experience as a first-year student at Baylor University. She was confident but said for the most part she hadn’t been exposed to the world at large. She had not travelled internationally or spent much time with people who looked different or lived differently than she did.

President Elizabeth Davis speaks during Convocation at McAlister Auditorium on Monday morning, August 26, 2024.

“I encourage each of you to challenge the beliefs you arrived here with, just as I eventually challenged mine,” she said. “Not to change your values, but to deepen your understanding of yourself and your place in the world.” 

Davis recognized the Pathways program as one of the most innovative advising programs in the country, and one that will guide these students during their Furman journey. Along their paths, they’ll apply the lessons they learn at Furman in internships, research and study away. 

But the university also offers students the opportunity to push themselves to greater heights.  

“Learning and growth happen at the very edge of our comfort zone,” said Student Government Association President Yaseen Echekki ’25. 

Yaseen Echekki ’25, president of the Student Government Association, speaks during Convocation at McAlister Auditorium on Monday morning, August 26, 2024.

Echekki encouraged students to introduce themselves to people they don’t know in the dining hall, attend tailgate events or take big steps such as studying abroad for a semester. While he welcomed the first-year and transfer students to their new home, he encouraged them to build the relationships that will push them out of their comfort zones. 

Claire Whitlinger, associate professor of sociology and founder and co-director of the Intergroup Dialogue Program, finds herself embracing discomfort and remarked that “growth rarely comes without it.” Her address to the students at convocation centered on her work with intergroup dialogues rooted in guiding students through intentional conversations and developing skills that make it easier to hold conversations with people they might disagree with. The program is part of On Discourse, Furman’s initiative to encourage and engage in healthy discourse.

Claire Whitlinger, associate professor of Sociology, gives the address during Convocation at McAlister Auditorium on Monday morning, August 26, 2024.

College gives students the chance to do that. For many, it may be the only time they’ll live, work and learn alongside people whose experiences and lives are different from their own. 

“What an opportunity, and a rare one at that,” Whitlinger said. “It is by sharing our deep convictions, engaging in spirited disagreement and finding a path forward that we practice the very principles of democratic life.” 

Connecting and working through conflict may be this generation’s most important work, Davis said in her closing remarks. 

 “Support and challenge each other to consider new ideas, to hear and appreciate other points of view and to constantly seek knowledge,” Davis said.