Today Magazine Winter 2020 | Page 8

WHAT’S NEW AT Academic Convocation Gwynedd Mercy University marked the beginning of the academic year with its Academic Convocation on August 22, 2019. G This year’s Convocation Speakers included Bill Galvin, MSEd, RRT, CPFT, AE-C, FAARC, who is the Program Director and Assistant Professor for Respiratory Care and the recipient of the 2019 Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award; and Taylor Weathington, the president of GMercyU’s Student Government Association. Professor Galvin and Taylor addressed the audience, comprised of GMercyU students, families, faculty, and staff, and welcomed them to a new year filled with exciting possibilities. New Traditions/Inaugural Tree Lighting As a part of GMercyU’s Strategic Plan, there are many initiatives to help the University grow within four specific themes: Distinctive Teaching and Learning, Transformative Student Experience, Empowered Community, and Compelling Brand. Within the Compelling Brand theme, one initiative aims to create “wow” experiences by implementing new traditions for the students and the greater GMercyU community to enjoy. Thanks to the Traditions Committee and Student Government Association (SGA), GMercyU hosted its inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 5. Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the greater GMercyU Community were invited to partake in the festivities. Prior to the tree lighting, guests were treated to holiday sweets and hot cocoa in Assumption Hall as well as various activities outside, including ornament making, a snow globe photo booth, and a chance to make s’mores while enjoying the warmth of several fire pits. 6 TODAY President Deanne H. D’Emilio, JD offered greetings followed by a Christmas blessing by Vice President for Mission Integration Jim Gallo, EdD. Together with SGA President Taylor Weathington and SGA Vice President Andrew Harbaugh, President D’Emilio led the spirited countdown. Following the lighting, members of the Voices of Gwynedd led the crowd in a sing-a-long and GMercyU’s dance team performed to a soundtrack of holiday favorites. It was a lively event that has become a new tradition for the GMercyU community to look forward to for years to come.