Academic Year Kicks-Off With Convocation Ceremony

For her remarks, Cassidy drew on the findings of Professor of Psychology Marc Schulz from his best-selling book The Good Life, saying:

"We know that people who report subjective happiness or well-being are more productive. They get more done, are better at what they do, and are healthier. So maybe as we think about all the big, amazing possibilities of this new year, we might also make space for some small, everyday possibilities that can become just as amazing:

• Offer a greeting to someone you pass on campus
• Try to do an act of kindness, however small, each day
• Ask a great question, and really listen to the answer and ask another one
• Try to see the people you are with for who they are in all of their complexities and imperfections
• Be generous—start with an assumption of common purpose—it will be a lot easier to find it if you start there."

"If we cultivate these acts as an individual and community practice, we will have a better chance of living a good life, and we will strengthen our community at the same time. We will be more likely to achieve what is on our to-do list, we will be more likely to build those important relationships and we will be more likely to find joy in our work and play. And that is my true aspiration for this particular academic year, that we all find more connection and more joy as we pursue our work together. Here’s to a wonderful year, particularly for the amazing Class of 2024, let’s make it a good one for them!"

The event also provided an opportunity to recognize students who received awards for the 2022-23 academic year.