Worcester State University welcomed its newest class of students with an inspiring Academic Convocation ceremony on September 2. The annual event marked the start of the academic year, as university leaders, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the incoming class and share words of wisdom to help set them up for success.
The keynote speaker was Dejour Hollins, a 2020 Worcester State graduate who has dedicated his career to empowering students. Hollins, who majored in sociology, shared his journey of overcoming obstacles to find his purpose at the university.
“The funny thing about me being up here today is that I didn’t even want to go to college,” Hollins told the new students. “The only reason I went is because my mom said, ‘If you’re not going to college, you need to have another plan.’” And I didn’t have a plan. But enrolling at Worcester State turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.”
Hollins credited finding his “village” at Worcester State as the key to his transformation. “I was usually one of only a few people who looked like me or came from where I came from in my classes,” he said. “But I found my community here, and that’s what allowed me to grow and thrive.”
Hollins worked as a teacher and career counselor after his graduation. Today, he is the coordinator of student engagement, identity, and belonging at Massachusetts Bay Community College.
Several other speakers addressed the new students during the 50-minute ceremony in DeFeudis Wellness Center’s Competition Gym. One was Lilian Sydow, president of Worcester State’s Student Government Association. Sydow encouraged her fellow Lancers to embrace the opportunities for growth and connection that college provides.
“Putting yourself out there in college and building connections is so important,” Sydow said. “I couldn’t tell you in a million words how invaluable getting connected with people on campus has been for me.”
Worcester State President Barry Maloney also welcomed the class of 2029, highlighting the university’s 150-year legacy of providing access to higher education.
“From our very beginning, we welcomed students of all backgrounds and enabled them to launch amazing careers,” Maloney said. “You are beginning your Worcester State education as we celebrate that great legacy.”
Psychology Department faculty member Dr. Colleen Sullivan, the director of Worcester State’s first-year seminar program, encouraged the new students to focus on building their “three C’s”—comfort, community, and confidence—as they transition to college.
“Confidence doesn’t come naturally for everyone,” Sullivan said. “It is completely okay to be nervous. I’m still a little nervous right now. But confidence will come over time as you create your own new college daily routine.”
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[9]Associate Provost Henry Theriault, who served as the event’s emcee, emphasized that the entire Worcester State community is invested in the success of the incoming class.
“Everyone here is rooting for you,” Theriault told the students. “We all, each and every one of the people around you here, want you to succeed. How can we help you? You let us know. Just let us know what you need and we’ll be there.”
At the close of the event, Patrick Kilduff, a first-year student, said it was helpful to have faculty and administrators introduced and to learn about the various offices that are ready to help launch students like him on their academic journeys. He said he was most impressed by Dejour Hollins’s speech.
“I thought that story was very inspiring,” Kilduff said. “How all of his life he thought he wouldn’t go to college and then he came to Worcester State and was able to turn that around and make it work.”
Maeve McLaughlan, a sophomore transfer student, said the ceremony imparted “a lot of really important information.” She said she was especially impressed with SGA President Lilian Sydow’s speech.
“It’s kind of incredible to see someone the same age as us who has accomplished a lot in just one year of being here,” she said. “It definitely inspired me to get more involved.”
Photos by Mary Leufstedt