Music, inspiration, and community mark Five Towns College’s 52nd Convocation
By Grace Bonamico
Photos by James Suckle
Five Towns College welcomed the 2025-2026 academic year with its 52nd convocation on Sept. 11, filling the Performing Arts Center with students, faculty, and staff. This year’s Grand Marshal, Mass Comm Professor Brigette Boyle, reflected on the honor of leading the procession. “It was really a thrilling way to start the school year to lead the student body into the auditorium, as well as be part of such an awesome kickoff for our college,” said Boyle.
College Provost Dr. Marsha Pollard addressed the students, offering a reminder that they are “more than a grade, more than a mistake, and more than one note.”
Vice President Janet Kaplan gave remarks to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the United States and introduced Theater Arts student, Jamil Denard, who delivered a moving reading of Karla Dorman’s poem, “One Tuesday Morning.”
The ceremony blended reflection and celebration. Five Towns College President, Dr. David Cohen, introduced a video retrospective of the 2024–2025 academic year, but following the ceremony, he spoke about the work ahead. “Convocation is really just a welcoming to the start, getting ready. It’s a signal that summer’s over, and that we have to buckle down and get to the work at hand, which this year includes a lot of accreditation work, which we want to reaffirm for the purpose of making sure our students graduate from an accredited college.”
Convocation speakers emphasized the importance of community, engagement, and academic growth, with Assistant Dean for Campus Life Michael Cavalli encouraging students to show up. “Get involved. College is not a spectator sport. You’ve got to be engaged. If you really want to get the best out of it. It goes quickly, but what you do by showing up makes a big difference.”
Performances by students and faculty brought the audience to its feet, including renditions of “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys and “Walk This Way” by Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith, both of which underscored the college’s vibrant creative spirit.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts to legendary musician and music video director Jon Small. His message to the crowd carried both inspiration and urgency: “Go on and make the world better. Because we need a better world.” After the event, Small spoke more about his career during an interview on the FTC Sound Stream with Host Jack Barton.
Students responded warmly to the ceremony’s energy. “I felt really welcomed by the atmosphere, by my fellow classmates. I felt like it was a great vibe. The music and the performances were spot on. They were amazing,” said first-year Musical Theater student Josiah Prescod, adding, “I really got a good introduction to what the school is about.”
The celebration extended beyond the auditorium. Students, faculty, and staff gathered in the courtyard for a festive barbecue, where food, laughter, and conversation filled the late-summer air. “It’s great, and everybody’s just having a good time here,” said Theatre Arts major Kayla Prashad. Adding to the fun, FTC’s mascot, Fader, made a surprise appearance, drawing cheers and plenty of photo requests from students.
The day concluded with department mixers, where students connected with department chairs and faculty members to learn about upcoming opportunities and important announcements for their department.
While the Convocation ceremony is over, the momentum of a welcoming spirit for the new academic year is just beginning. The Campus Activities Board (CAB) will present a Y2K-themed party on Sept. 25 in the Downbeat, inviting students to herald their return to campus life.
