Bluffton Welcomes 125th Class into Academic Community During Opening Convocation

BLUFFTON, Ohio—Bluffton University welcomed its 125th class of students as official members of the campus community during Opening Convocation on Aug. 20, 2024. A Bluffton tradition, Convocation signifies the formal beginning of the academic year.

During Convocation, Dr. Sarah Fedirka, associate professor and chair of English at University of Findlay provided the address “Becoming Rooted.”

Fedirka shared with the incoming class how in which in letting go they can become rooted.

“The first step in becoming rooted is self-awareness,” said Fedirka. “Gaining awareness of ourselves allows us to become aware of ourselves in our community. Letting go is a first step to becoming rooted in this new community.”

Practicing curiosity and kindness, Fedirka suggested, are two key steps in becoming rooted. Fedirka shared she is curious about many things, one in which is bearded dragons. Fascinated by her family’s bearded dragon’s shedding process, Fedrika said she decided to research and practice curiosity about this process.

“Just like bearded dragons, we too must shed our skin throughout our lives,” said Fedrika. “Sometimes we need to shed dry, clouded ideas, expectations and beliefs to experience a more colorful and healthy way of being. Although this shedding process may be irritable and painful, letting go of our old skin will allow us to experience something greater.”

Fedirka also referenced how our hardest moments can change us for the better highlighted in the first-year reading “Big Feelings.” The book explores how to be ok when things are not ok.  

“Uncertainty is a big feeling, one I don’t particularly like,” said Fedirka. “Like a plant repotted into a container too large for it, when I feel uncertain, I reach my “roots” out for an edge, a boundary, something certain. Thankfully we are less like single plans and more like trees in a forest.”

Fedirka suggested we are interconnected like the roots of a tree.  Practicing kindness, Fedirka said, allows us to see the interconnectedness of all things.

“I invite you to become aware of your body, your breath,” said Fedirka. “Feel supported by your chair and the interconnectedness of this Bluffton University community which welcomes you.”

Following the address, the names of each first-year and transfer student were read by Dr. Alex Sider, vice president of academic affairs. The recitation of all names is done just twice during a student’s time at Bluffton with the second being at Commencement. Faculty, dressed in academic regalia, also presented honor covenants signed by each new student affirming their commitment to Bluffton’s mission and purpose.