Christopher Mulrine ’77

Jess Pepe

Convocation, a traditional ceremony that welcomes first-year students to campus life, was held this year on September 9 as the freshmen filled Shea Center for this annual academic rite of passage.

Provost and Senior Vice President Edward Weil officially welcomed the students. “This ceremony formally welcomes you to academic life,” he said. “Our faculty are recognized scholars in your academic disciplines. William Paterson is committed to diversity, with faculty from different parts of the world to guide and inspire you and your classmates, who also come from diverse backgrounds.”

Christopher Mulrine ’77, associate professor of special education and counseling, addressed the incoming students. “There are three things that you need to be successful here,” he said. “You should have an academic focus, learn how the organization works, and develop a social network.”

Jess Pepe, president of the Student Government Association, also spoke to the students. Now a senior, she gave this advice: “There is a world of choice and possibility, so take a chance, run for office, apply for a job on campus, study and work hard, and stand up for yourself, and your friends. Plant the seed, and harvest your education in 2013.”