Noting people’s uncertainties of coming back to campus, however, is something Fiorentino and his leadership team have been trying to quell while working with medical experts over the past year to receive the latest information. I even like hearing names shouted out for order pickup at our swarming Saxby’s even if it does mean I have to wait a bit longer for my dark roast coffee- let’s not talk about driving around campus these days,” referring to the notorious parking problems in recent years.
“I like catching glimpses of animated discussions as I pass by classrooms. “I like seeing students flinging frisbee on the Quad,” he said. Fiorentineo mentioned certain aspects of campus life from the past three weeks that he’s missed since going online.
Greeted with applause from the crowd, Fiorentino approached the stage in a dark grey suit and - appropriately - a purple and gold tie.įiorentino describes this occasion for the university as a “momentous” moment since holding remote instruction via Zoom since the spring semester of 2020 due to COVID-19, “wondering whether we’d be meeting at all, or be relegated to staring at one another on Zoom while wearing professional attire above and comfy pajama pants below.”įiorentino remembered that during the last spring semester of remote classes, he was overwhelmed by the “absolute emptiness” of the campus, especially as campus life had come to an abrupt halt over a year ago as the rising number of COVID-19 cases were unwavering.Īs a former economics professor, he drew comparisons between the empty campus grounds to a “dusty, deserted production facility,” yet simultaneously producing everything it had before the pandemic hit universities all around the country. The stage, decorated in purple and yellow flowers for the school colors, spotlighted the podium that Fiorentino would stand behind to give his address. Donned in semi-formal attire, guests were greeted to live jazz music echoing throughout the theater, mingling in groups before taking their seats. Asplundh Concert Hall, “distinguished guests” and members of the Chester County community gathered to commemorate the university’s 150 years since opening. 17, 2021 at 1 p.m., West Chester University President Christopher Fiorentino kicked off the school year early to celebrate the special occasion in his annual “Welcome Back” address, along with a celebration for the community on the Academic Quad lawn and ribbon-cutting ceremony to the #WCU150 History and Heritage Exhibit Room in Francis Harvey Green Library. 25, 2021, officially marks West Chester University’s 150th anniversary since its opening in 1871.
Other: Divisional ceremonies take place at other times visit /commencement/upcoming-ceremonies/index.html for information.Sept. Where: Miami University, Yager Stadium, 700 Weeb Eubank Way, Oxford What: 183rd Spring Commencement for degreed candidates More information can be found on Miami University’s commencement webpage. “I don’t know that I’ll ever be exactly like he was, but I just hope I’m the kind of leader that takes care of the community that I’m serving so that maybe I’d recognize their children 20 years later,” Bannister said.ĭivisional ceremonies and other graduate recognition programs occur throughout the weekend. She said she plans to urge the graduates to “find their why” in life - something that inspires them to make a difference in the world during the graduation ceremony, Explore Here’s what the local job market for college grads looks like She never expected to make a career of it. Bannister was a chemistry major who went on to become a dentist and joined the Air Force to help cover her dental training expenses. She graduated from Miami University in 1988, but at the time, she said she didn’t know what to do with her life. As director of medical operations, she is responsible for developing and executing health care policy in support of 43,000 personnel and 76 medical treatment facilities with a budget of more than $6.2 billion. She previously served as command surgeon of Air Combat Command. Miami president Gregory Crawford will preside over the graduation.īannister is director of medical operations of the Office of the Surgeon General of the U.S. Sharon Bannister will offer the commencement address, discussing her path from Miami University to becoming a two-star general.