HILLSBORO, Kan. – Students, faculty and staff gathered at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 25 for the 2015 Academic Convocation.
The faculty marched into the sanctuary dressed their regalia while senior Zach Neumann played “Trumpet Tune” by Jeremiah Clark and Professor of Music Sheila Litke accompanied him. Student Body President Jeremy Davidson gave the invocation and Chair of the Music Department Brad Vogel directed the hymn “We are Called to be God’s People.”
Tabor College President Jules Glanzer spoke to the students about what their professors mean for their education.
“Our faculty have given themselves to a life of the mind and to share what they have learned with you,” Glanzer said. “But more than that, these people love you, care about you, want to see you succeed and are committed to your success. They are giving their lives to provide you an excellent opportunity to learn. They teach you habits of the mind, life skills and character formation. They have the ability to take you deep into the knowledge of your chosen field and prepare you for a life of learning, work, and service for Christ and His kingdom.”
Clarence R. Hiebert Excellence in Teaching Award winner Carisa Funk spoke about the pros and cons of social media.
“Consider,” Funk questioned, “do you spend time enjoying the moments in front of you? Are you actually present in
your life or do you ever think about how to translate what it is you are experiencing into 140 characters or less? I don’t think it’s unusual for us to be thinking in status updates, but I do think it robs us of being present if we aren’t aware of it.”
Funk also reminded the students about why they come to Tabor—to receive a quality education.
“You have a great opportunity in front of you which is the opportunity to learn,” Funk said. “What I’ve discovered is that learning isn’t passive. We aren’t just receivers of information. In order to really learn, we need to take that information in, process it and do something with it. All of those things involve effort. Don’t pass up this opportunity in front of you to learn.”