Spring Convocation
We are excited to invite you to our fourth annual Spring Convocation and Cultural Celebration on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is Monday, January 17, 2022. This convocation officially opens spring semester and the events of the day begin a period of celebration and learning of the global diversity that makes the University of Dubuque special. It is a way for us to pause, give thanks to God for the gift of our community, and continue the process of exploring ways to learn, grow, and understand cultures that may or may not be different than our own.
Spring Convocation replaces classes and co-curricular activities scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Truly this is a series of engagements, food, and experiences you won't want to miss.
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. --- Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
Viewing Areas: CyberCafe, Heritage Center; Barbara and Jack Smeltzer Dining Hall, Peters Commons; Judge James L. Martin (C'67) Multicultural Student Center, Peter and Susan Smith Welcome Center
Sponsored by the Dubuque Community School District, this annual celebration will be held in a virtual format. Among the speakers is the University's Brian Hallstoos, PhD, associate professor of history. Viewing areas will be available at campus locations mentioned above.
10:15 - 11:30 a.m. --- Spring Convocation - Worship Service
John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center
As speaker, we welcome Pastor Robert "JJ" Kimble, pastor to Radius Church and executive director for the Dream Center, both of Dubuque, Iowa. For this multicultural worship, Pastor Larry Westbrook Jr., founder of Glory Ministries and third generation pastor of Community Outreach Worship Center in Moline, Illinois, will provide musical leadership with a team that includes Dubuque community members and the University's Chris Peterson, director of admission. This is a general seating event; please arrive early to find a seat.
For those who cannot attend in-person, Spring Convocation - Worship Service will be streamed live on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. --- Spring Convocation - Celebrating Cultural Heritage
Babka Theatre and throughout Heritage Center
In Babka Theatre, sample a selection of cultural food from around the world. Lunch items in Babka Theatre are provided at no cost through generous funding. Food will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. To ensure you are able to try multiple food items, please be in the buffet line early. During lunch, experience the musical talents of our University family with a selection of live music throughout Heritage Center.
1:30 p.m. --- University Classes and Activities Resume
6:00 p.m. --- We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest
Room 264, Peter and Susan Smith Welcome Center
Every year in Oakland, California, hundreds of pre-k through 12th grade students compete in the Martin Luther King Oracle Festival, performing a mix of published and original poetry and speeches. Directed by Emmy Award winner Amy Schatz and produced by her along with Emmy Award winner Diane Kolyer, We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest chronicles the months leading up to the finals of the 40th annual festival, as schools across the city send their top-placing individuals and groups to compete in the event.
