FTC Convocation 2024: Let’s make it a great year!

By Grace Bonamico

On September 12th, Five Towns College held its 51st Convocation to open the 2024-2025 academic session. Students processed into the Performing Arts Center with their departments to begin the ceremony. The ceremony included speeches from the Grand Marshal, Dr. David Krasner, Provost Dr. Marsha Pollard, Assistant Dean for Campus Life Michael Cavalli, and Vice President Janet Kaplan.  Five Towns College President Dr. David Cohen addressed the crowd and told the story of how the college started in a church basement.  Students also learned of some big changes this year, including the shortening of winter break and lengthening of the summer term to make it possible for students to take three semesters of classes each year.

Convocation included a moving reading by Theatre major Lily Boisvert of Kevin Powell’s September 11th: A Poem, along with a video retrospective of the 2023-2024 academic year. There were also student and faculty musical performances of hits including Tenor Madness by Sonny Rollins, Dreams by Fleetwood Mac, and Rockin’ in the Free World by Neil Young.  President Cohen even joined on the piano.

The room was filled with energy as students became excited for the year ahead. “They really went all out, and it was so much fun. They brought the vibes, they brought the positivity, and it definitely pumped me up for the rest of the year,” said Music Performance major Nick Ryan.

The FTC Mass Comm broadcast team livestreamed Convocation for those who could not attend in person.

The ceremony ended with a moving performance of the Five Towns College Alma Mater by the college’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Music Education major Sofia Haintz performed as part of the ensemble, saying, “It was really fun. The energy was great, and everyone did a really good job. I enjoyed my time singing the Alma Mater with Vocal Jazz.”

The positive vibes continued to build as everyone gathered in the courtyard for a barbecue celebration, during which the FTC mascot, Fader, appeared. The barbecue allowed students to eat and have a good time together, which is what Business major Sage Hagelmann did. “It’s just fun to hang out. It’s a beautiful day, so I’m enjoying myself so far.” FTC Food Services barbecued burgers and hot dogs and presented various salads, sodas, and cookies. “I always love having the burgers here. They’re always delicious,” said Mass Communications student Logan Ashton.

Convocation means a lot of different things to everyone at Five Towns College. “I think that Convocation means kickoff. It means a start, a new beginning, a fresh perspective, and creativity. I think that it’s this moment where all the students realize I get to start my journey and do something great, and for those who have already been here, they get to say, hey, I get to do a restart, try something new, and diversify,” said HEOP Counselor Rason Myhand.

President Dr. David Cohen defined Convocation as welcoming to the new academic year. “I hope it means getting down to business and welcoming the new year with open arms, embracing our dreams and aspirations, and saying, hey, this is the year we do it.”

President Cohen also offered advice to students for the year in front of them. “Just do it. Like Nike. Just do it. You’re here for a reason. You decided to come, decided to use your important tuition dollars that you saved and scraped to go to college. Now bring your best game. That’s what it is.”

Once the barbecue ended, students met with their departments in various locations around campus to hear important updates and opportunities related to their program from their department chairs and faculty members.

Convocation festivities did not end without a party. At around 8 pm, students gathered in the Downbeat for the anticipated Weeks of Welcome (WOW) Party. This year’s theme was “brat” based on the recently released studio album by Charli XCX. The Downbeat was decorated with shiny silver streamers, neon green lights, and black, silver, and neon green balloons. Themed drinks, including Clear (sprite, cream of coconut, lime juice, and mint) and Apple (lemonade and sour mix), along with food, were provided. The music was supplied by DJ Stan The Man, and students quickly got to dancing. Film and Television student James Fusco had a great time doing the iconic Hot To Go! dance. “Honestly, I’m having a lot of fun here. It’s very fun, all my friends are here. It’s wonderful. Lights are going; music is going crazy. It’s just a lot of fun,” said Fusco.

It didn’t take long for The Downbeat to fill up and for the dance floor to become packed. The WOW party brought students together to have a good time and hang out with their friends before fully settling into the semester’s grind. “It’s been an amazing time. I’m having a blast; I enjoy having fun with my friends. We’re having fun,” said Theater Arts major Tristan Bellon, who was on the dance floor all night.

As the party started to wind to a close, DJ Stan The Man played two unexpected tracks that raised the energy in the room to its highest peak of the night; All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey, which smoothly transitioned into Crank That (Soulja Boy) by Soulja Boy Tell’ Em.

Mass Communications Senior and Christmas fan Jeff Kramer was thrilled by the surprise Mariah Carey hit played in September. “I was deeply moved and inspired, and it was, oh my gosh, it just brought me back to Christmas joy. Christmas is my favorite holiday. I was born only five days before it. It is my time of year. I just love it, love it, love it.” It wasn’t long after the party ended, and students left The Downbeat tired but in high spirits.

Convocation is an important time for the Five Towns College community. The celebration excites everyone, for the year is filled with possibilities and opportunities. President Cohen best summed up that feeling in his remarks to the campus during the ceremony, “Let’s make it a great year!”