Fall Convocation Report
Written by Associate Dean Mika Deshotel
Fall Convocation is an annual tradition at HJI, meant to bring together faculty, students, and staff for the purposes of welcoming and celebrating the incoming class. This year, Convocation took place on November 1st at 9AM EDT via Zoom. It was a short and succinct program, with various school administrators, faculty, and staff featured, along with our student body president. The overall message conveyed to our new and current students was the desire to see students be successful in their coursework as well as to invite students to reach out, share and even collaborate, as a school community this year.
Perhaps the most exciting and informative portion of Convocation is when we get to hear about the diversity and strengths that characterize our newest students, as reported to us by our Dean of Enrollment Management, Steven Boyd. In his report this time, it was shared that this new class hails from over 20 different countries and speaks 15 different languages in addition to English. Of those studying online from the US, students reside in over 10 different states, all outside of the New York and Tri-State area. This class ranges in age from 23 years old to 74 years old, and demonstrates professional skills in medicine, international relations, politics, business administration, sociology and anthropology, communications, social work, theology, education, criminal justice, history, creative writing, ecumenical work, and music. This class also includes full-time working students, and many have families to care for. This class also welcomes two cohorts who serve in leadership with Family Federation, which serves as the School’s sponsoring Church: 12 students enrolled in Family Federation USA’s 3-year Advanced Leadership Program and 29 Top- Gun Missionaries.
Another exciting aspect of Convocation is when we hear from our students, and this year’s Graduate Student Council President, Felecia Dorbor, shared graciously with us on behalf of the student body. Felecia also happens to be new to HJI, and is a candidate for enrollment in the Masters of Religious Studies program. She is a wife and mother, and has taken her studies extremely seriously throughout her life, graduating from the University of Liberia, where she is also currently employed. Felecia shared a message of gratitude to all students, faculty and staff at HJI and reiterated the position of the Council in serving the school and collaborating with the administration.
Convocation concluded with words of encouragement and exciting updates from Dr. Walsh. Some of the items mentioned included the importance of 2025, which will herald the 50th anniversary of HJI. Dr. Walsh emphasized the importance of moving forward with our new name, which has helped to broaden our reach towards peace-building, along with our Peace Studies program. He also revealed the launching of a new International Journal for Peace and Public Leadership in 2025 and new publications to look forward to with HJI Press. It was also announced that Dr. Theodore Shimmyo, HJI’s President Emeritus, will also be publishing a new book on Unification Theology and Christian Tradition. The second HJ International conference, to be held in January, was also announced. Finally, Dr. Walsh reminded students to look out for course offerings for the Winter and Spring semester; he reminded students to make sure to meet with their advisor to stay up to date on their program requirements.