In celebration of Methodist University’s 68th year of existence, students, faculty, and staff filled Huff Concert Hall on Wednesday for MU’s annual Convocation.
As a part of the “First Five” CIRCUIT series – a weekly gathering during the first five weeks of the semester that helped new students to adjust to their new lives on campus – the Convocation was a chance for the entire MU community to bond together.
Methodist University welcomed Dr. Derek Greenfield to lead the Convocation’s programming. With more than 30 years of experience in higher education, Greenfield is a visionary speaker, consultant, educator, and thought leader dedicated to inclusive excellence and positive chance. With his dynamic and interactive approach, creative ideas, track record of success, and sense of humor, Dr. Greenfield’s clients include CBS Sports, the National Black Student Leadership Conference, MIT, The Ohio State University Football Team, and the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.
Greenfield’s passionate and interactive message centered around diversity and inclusive excellence caught the attention of the MU community.
“You’re not the future, you’re the present,” said Greenfield to the students. “What are you doing to lift each other up and cheer everyone on? That’s the idea of a team, belonging, and social responsibility. Your job is to open doors so that everybody feels welcome here at Methodist University. When people feel included, they perform better. As Monarchs, I challenge you to wear that crown.”
Greenfield’s message included poems, in-depth, stories, and active participation. On multiple occasions, Greenfield asked the MU community to take part in various activities such learning more about someone they have never met before, singing “Lean on Me” together, and personal stories from several students.
“I really appreciated the brave people who came up and how everyone came together to support them,” said Jade Ferreris, a senior majoring in Psychology. “I’ve been here at MU for four years, and it even shocked me to see how open-minded and diverse this community truly is.”
The event concluded with audience members finding people around Huff Concert Hall to tell them how appreciated they were – prompting a round of smiles, hugs, and gratitude.
Methodist University was recently ranked the No. 1 Most Diverse University in North Carolina (Niche) and has a dedicated Student, Belonging & Inclusion team and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office.
For more photos from the event, visit the Methodist University Flickr page.