UpDate - Vol. 12, No. 38, Page 1
August 5, 1993
New Student Convocation to welcome class of 1997 members

     Members of the University's Class of 1997 will receive a formal
welcome to campus at the New Student Convocation ceremony, scheduled for 11
a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 31, on the Mall.
     James Soles, Distinguished Alumni Professor and chairperson of the
Department of Political Science and International Relations, will address
students and their guests.
     The program also will include two special presentations. The Francis
Alison Award will be given to a member of the faculty, whose identity is
kept secret until convocation, and the University Medal of Merit will be
awarded to Littleton P. Mitchell, former president of the Delaware State
Conference of Branches for the National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People (NAACP).
     Continuing a University tradition, representatives of the class of
1947--who arrived on campus 50 years ago, in the fall of 1943--will present
the class of 1997 flag to a student delegate representing the newest
members of the incoming student body.
     Deans will wear academic robes during the program. Chairpersons and
faculty also are encouraged to wear academic regalia.
     Convocation is scheduled to follow the major meetings in each
department. Chairpersons and faculty who are conducting these meetings have
been asked to escort students to the Mall.
     In the event of rain, the ceremony for undeclared students will be
held in Newark Hall auditorium. Other colleges are preparing specific
convocation rain plans.
     All members of the University community are invited to participate in
the event. Individuals should contact Joanne Forestell in admissions by
Aug. 25 if they plan to attend. A luncheon will follow the one-hour
program.
     For information, contact Forestell or Linda Natter, senior associate
director of admissions, at 831-6331.
                                        -Ed Okonowicz