New school year launched with Opening Convocation

Welcome by Furman University President Elizabeth Davis >>

Address by Cynthia King, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusive communities >>

Address by Brent Nelsen, the Jane Fishburne Hipp Professor of Politics and International Affairs >>

“Believe it or not,” Furman President Elizabeth Davis told more than 600 first-year students, “I remember being your age.”

Furman University President Elizabeth Davis speaks during the 2023 Opening Convocation at McAlister Auditorium.

During the Opening Convocation ceremony in McAlister Auditorium, Davis recalled her first days at Baylor University to the members of the Class of 2027, who were beginning their own first days at Furman after a weekend of orientation activities.

Despite arriving in Waco, Texas, with firmly grounded beliefs, “there was a lot about the world and its people that I did not know,” she told the students. Minutes before, they had entered the auditorium after the traditional procession down Furman Mall.

She encouraged them to challenge their own beliefs and discuss differences of opinion with respect, “engaging in a way that honors the humanity of everyone involved.”

‘You can do this’

Meredith Ervin ’24, president of the Student Government Association, noted the wide range of interests and accomplishments represented by the Class of 2027.

Meredith Ervin ’24, president of the Student Government Association, speaks during Opening Convocation at McAlister Auditorium on Monday, August 21, 2023.

“In this room, there’s so much talent, love, brilliance, athleticism and passion,” she said. “Our uniqueness is what makes this family grow.”

Ervin urged the students to reach outside their comfort zones, confident in the “safety net” of Furman.

“Know that you are never truly alone,” she said. “You are seen and heard, you are valued, you are loved. The world is a better place because you are in it. You can do this.”

Awards and recognitions

Beth Pontari, interim vice present for academic affairs and provost, presented awards for meritorious diversity and inclusion to Savita Nair, the Gordon Poteat Professor of Asian Studies and History; Jocelyn Boulware Bruce ’17, assistant director of the Center for Inclusive Communities; and Kevin Carberry ’24.

She also recognized the five members of the Class of 2024 – Julian Ashby, Jayden Hill-Mims, Lydia McCarty, James O’Connor and Nicole Warren – who received $10,000 Furman Fellowships to pursue their academic, creative and professional pathways.

Dean of Faculty Jeremy Cass ’00 congratulated seven faculty members who had been promoted to the rank of professor: Mary Elizabeth Anderson (chemistry), Maegan Azar (theater arts), Gretchen Braun (English), Elizabeth Bouzarth (mathematics), Lane Harris (history), Stephanie Knouse (modern languages and literatures) and Eunice Rojas (modern languages and literatures).

‘Dare to be curious’

Cass then introduced speakers Cynthia King, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusive excellence and professor of communication studies, and Brent Nelsen, the Jane Fishburne Hipp Professor of Politics and International Affairs. The professors will be leading a presidential initiative called “On Discourse,” highlighting the courses and programs available at Furman to build the skills to engage with uncomfortable issues.

Cynthia King, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusive communities, speaks during the 2023 Opening Convocation at McAlister Auditorium.

King urged the students to engage with differing or opposing views and “be intentional about expanding your view of the world.” Paraphrasing a viral commencement speech by James Ryan, dean of Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, King posed several essential questions, beginning with a “Wait, what?” reaction to an unfamiliar idea.

“Consider pushing through the ‘Wait, what?’” King said, “and move on to ‘I wonder?’ which is the heart of all curiosity.”

A wondering state of uncertainty and humility is “the perfect condition for learning,” King said. “Lean into ‘I wonder,’ and dare to be curious.”

Brent Nelsen, the Jane Fishburne Hipp Professor of Politics and International Affairs, speaks during the 2023 Opening Convocation at McAlister Auditorium.

Open discourse that pushes us out of our comfort zones is especially critical now, as a potentially polarizing political season approaches, Nelsen said.

“Why can’t we just find a group of like individuals in person and online and just stay in that comfortable bubble?” he asked. “The short answer is that doing that is tearing our country apart. The problem with our comfort zones is that they have become alternative realities.”

Nelsen turned to Taylor Swift – “the preeminent lyricist of the 21st century” – to illustrate the importance of working through disagreements.

“‘You think it’s funny when I’m mad, mad, mad,’” quoted Nelsen, echoed by many in the audience, “‘but I think that it’s best if we both stay.’”

The chorus of “Stay, Stay, Stay” led to a performance of the Alma Mater by the Furman University Singers and one last wish from Davis.

“May you leave here encouraged and inspired,” she told the Class of 2027, “committed to the ideals of the Furman community and to your own continual transformation.”