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Convocation

History

A Convocation in honor of the entering classes has been held at the beginning of each academic year since 1985. The dual theme of convocation is the importance of viewing medicine as a vocation of service to others, and the need for doctors to maintain their interests outside of science and medicine to assure a sense of balance and perspective in their personal and professional lives.

The convocation is named in honor of Joseph M. Healey, Jr., J.D., Professor of Health Law and Ethics. Professor Healey was a major contributor to many of the University’s most cherished traditions, chief among them was his role in creating and chairing the annual Convocation ceremony. His untimely death in 1993 represented the loss of a significant spiritual leader at UConn. Professor Healey's positive influence on the ethical and professional conduct of countless students and colleagues has been immeasurable.

Convocation Planning

The Convocation committee is a multidisciplinary group of students and faculty from the medical and dental schools. The second year medical and dental students are given the responsibility of serving as masters of ceremony, choosing and performing the artistic/musical interludes, providing a speech of welcome, and a student address.

Convocation Program

a. Welcome from the Master of Ceremonies. Alternating between the medical and dental schools, a second-year student serves as the master of ceremonies.

b. Artistic Interludes. In keeping with a classical approach to the ceremony, an integral component of convocation is performances by students. The artists are always students, predominantly from the second-year classes. The interludes have consisted of readings of original poetry, instrumental and vocal music, and dance. The artistry demonstrated by the students reinforces the theme of balance between personal and professional roles.

c. Welcome from the Administration. The Dean of the School of Medicine welcomes the students on behalf of the administration and shares views of the convocation themes. The deans presence during the proceedings adds to the solemnity and import of the ceremony.

d. Welcome from the Faculty. The address is traditionally given by the most recent Loesser Award winner, an award given each May to the best overall faculty member in the basic science curriculum, by a vote of the second-year class. Selecting a faculty award winner reinforces the message that "teaching-as-service" is a critical professional obligation which should be acknowledged.

e. Student Welcome. A second-year medical or dental student is selected by the Convocation Committee to welcome the incoming students into the UConn community.

f. Student Address. A second-year student gives an address focusing on balancing professional school with other essential roles – as a son/daughter, spouse/partner, etc.

g. Keynote Speaker. The tradition is to ask a graduate of the medical or dental school to be the featured speaker. The themes are once again balance and service.