University of Dubuque to Formally Commence the New Academic Year with Opening Convocation

Dear University of Dubuque Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Opening Convocation will be held at 10:45 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center. An annual tradition at the beginning of the year, convocation manifests our aspiration for all students to find purpose, refine their gifts, and fulfill their calling in order to renew God's beloved world.  

This year we are pleased to welcome Miranda Nikkel (MAMD'23) to give the convocation address. Miranda accepted a graduate assistant role at the University of Dubuque while pursuing her theological education. In this role, she taught Worldview courses and served in pivotal roles within campus ministry. Her time at UD was deeply formative for her, marked by rich, lasting relationships with people who continue to bring her joy and inspire her to step outside of her comfort zone. All of this confirmed a sense of purpose for her and led her to where she is today, serving as the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at Faith Church in Pella, Iowa.

All University offices, as well as the Charles C. Myers Library and Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center, will be closed during this time so students, faculty, and staff - as one community - may attend. Grounded in our Mission, we at the University of Dubuque commit to the education and formation of well-rounded students capable of engaging the world. Our students commit, during this time at the University, to a meaningful educational experience. In this worship service, with God's help, we dedicate ourselves to one another as we formally commence the new academic year.

Faculty
All classes and other student activities scheduled between 10:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, September 4, 2025, will be canceled. Although Worldview Seminar I students are required to participate as part of the course as directed by their instructors, please encourage all your students to participate in our Opening Convocation. Classes scheduled to begin at 12:15 p.m. will be held.

Full-time faculty are expected to participate in the procession in academic regalia (without caps). Please assemble by 10:30 a.m. in the Babka Theatre, Heritage Center. The academic procession, led by bagpiper Derek Grant, will begin the ceremony promptly at 10:45 a.m.

For those who cannot attend in-person, Opening Convocation will be streamed live on our YouTube channel. As we come together as a hope-filled people, let us celebrate our Christian commitment as a faith-based institution rooted in the Reformed tradition, our diversity and our unity, and our pursuit of academic excellence.

Mancherlei Gaben Und Ein Geist (Various Gifts and One Spirit), 

Travis L. Frampton, PhD
President of the University