The Magic of Ordinary Days: UJ’s Convocation Welcomes the Class of 2029 with Wisdom, Humor, and Heart

As faculty in regalia, first-year students, parents, and alumni filed into DeNault Auditorium—some greeting friends, others sneaking in a quick round of Candy Crush on their phones—the blend of tradition and today’s college life was real.  

University of Jamestown’s annual opening convocation is a rite of passage for the incoming class of 2029 but also serves as a recommitment to the virtues that make UJ distinct. 

The morning began with Kirstie Dobson, director of campus ministries, offering a reflection on the importance of guidance and purpose. President Dr. Polly Peterson followed, expressing gratitude to the faculty. 

“You are a true example of superior guidance and education of the whole person. Thank you for the work that you do,” Peterson said. “Every single one of our students, no matter where they start, has the opportunity to reach great heights in their careers, their families, their communities, and the world.” But it reminded us that our journey here is about so much more than academics; it’s about building a life of purpose, community, and character.

“Surround yourself with people who want you to succeed. Appreciate the independence and opportunities you have here. You have started on a long path to the rest of your life, and these next four years will fly by,” encouraged Margaux Kautzmann, Student Senate President.  

Dr. Michelle Solensky, vice president for academic affairs, invited us to imagine our campus as “Leadertown” a place where virtues are not lofty ideals, but daily habits for our community. She spoke of three of the six virtues that UJ has chosen to define our mission and Jimmie experience: wisdom, courage, and excellence. “Wisdom is not just about gathering facts but understanding yourself and the world. Courage is learning from mistakes and asking for help. Excellence is not perfection, but the willingness to keep trying, to show up fully—even when the work is hard.”  

A Freshman’s Promise 

Maryn Schneider, representing the Class of 2029, spoke about the excitement and responsibility of joining the Jimmie community. 

“Although our past has shaped us, we are prepared to try new things in these challenging situations—it will help us define who each of us will become. We vow to be fully immersed in the Jimmie experience and continue the excellence in tradition that has been established for years. We hope to make you proud and live up to the reputation past and present Jimmies have created.”  

Knight in Shining Armor 

President Peterson presented the Knight Award to Elias Harris, Class of 2026, a criminal justice major with a minor in English.  

In the early morning hours of a frigid January 19, 2025, Elias was the first to notice and report our cafeteria was on fire. His decisive action prevented further harm and exemplified the spirit of a Jimmie—one who acts with integrity, looks out for one another, and meets challenges with heart and resolve.  

Harris was also recognized for his academic, athletic, and artistic achievements. His photography, for example, was featured in this year’s edition of UJ’s literary and creative journal, Plainsong. 

The Magic of Ordinary Days 

Convocation also celebrated young alumni Rachel (Perish) Heuchert ’16, a licensed professional counselor, and Samuel Heuchert ’16, a cybersecurity assessor for the Department of Defense.  

“We could not have predicted the journey nor the outcome when we were in your seats,” Rachel said. “Our encouragement to you is to be patient while you’re in school… neither of us could have predicted where our UJ journey would take us.”  

Sam added, “We like to think about stewardship as how we live out our priorities…we try to adopt the motto, ‘the magic of ordinary days.’”  

Rachel continued, “Building a strong foundation means meeting the small, ordinary things with excellence. The basics—the simple things—are what get the job done.” 

The Heucherts’ segment was interactive and engaging as they asked students to shout out their majors, joked about cardigans and Taylor Swift, and reminded students to “show up fully for the mundane, beautiful moments.”  

Sam thanked Chief Information Officer and Professor Chris Hoke for teaching him to “appreciate my coffee as I click ‘next,’” while Rachel expressed gratitude to retired faculty member Dr. Irene Posh. 

“I am so grateful to have a mentor who lives out her passions and priorities with vibrancy and vigor. When you find the person that you want to learn from, you want that learning to start as soon as possible,” said Rachel about changing her major after her first course with Posh.  

Rachel and Sam closed their remarks with a call to the community.  

“Thank you, faculty, for your dedication; thank you, staff, for keeping the lights on and the Wi-Fi running; thank you, families, for your unwavering support; and thank you, students, for choosing to learn and lead.”  

Welcome to the new year, Jimmies. Let’s be all in, cherish the ordinary, and build something extraordinary—together. 

Cue our Alma Matter lead by Dr. Richard Walentine, Professor and Director of Music Program.