Castleton University President Dave Wolk smiles during the Aug. 27 convocation.
Photo by Will Chmielewski

A record number of students, staff and faculty packed into the familiar Casella Theater for convocation on Thursday, but instead of the usual State of the College Address, attendees heard Castleton’s first ever State of the University Address.

“For many decades, if not centuries to come, welcome to Castleton University,” proudly exclaimed Castleton President David Wolk in his opening remarks.

The Aug. 27 convocation also marked the first time a chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges has attended a convocation at the institution.

In his short speech, Chancellor Jeb Spaulding noted that on his way to campus he saw the road sign on Route 4 that once said “Castleton State College” was being changed.

Spaulding, on behalf of the VSC and the five colleges in the VSC system, applauded Castleton for this achievement, with special congratulations to Wolk.

“It’s never about him, always about everyone else and recognizing their contributions,” Spaulding said of Wolk.

In his speech, Wolk spoke of pride shared by all Spartans.

“Pride in our extended family, pride in our amazing students, pride in our exceptional faculty…pride in each other and pride in Castleton University,” he said.

He assured the audience that regardless of name changes, Castleton will always embrace the personalized, relationship-based education students have come to know.

Something else that will not change is tuition, which will experience a freeze for this and the next academic year. The statement was met with overwhelming applause.

Some changes that will occur, however, are in Rutland. In the last year, Castleton has expanded further into the city with the Castleton Downtown office and gallery as well as the soon-to-come dome, according to Wolk.

Another change is the number of international students on campus. This year, the university will host over 54 students from 17 countries, 13 visiting scholars from China and many new-Americans from 18 different countries.

“We welcome all of you and embrace all of you, because we are family,” Wolk said.

This international effort is assisted by the President’s Council on Inclusive Excellence, which will host diversity workshops. An international film festival will also be held in October to promote inclusion and expose students to cultures from around the world.

The University has also given over $3 million dollars in scholarships to make it possible for even more students to attend Castleton, according to Wolk.

During her short speech, President of the Faculty Assembly, Helen Mango, simply held up a sign saying “give” and “take” to give students a few reminders as they start the new semester.

“Give classes effort, give professors a chance, give blood,” she said. “Take advantage of opportunities, take care of yourself, take pride in your education.”

Commuter student of the semester Ken Stone, outstanding young alumni award recipient Mohamed Basha (’06) and outstanding alumni award recipient Susan Farrell (’69), were also all honored. Farrell, a professor in the nursing department, is the first individual to receive both the outstanding faculty and outstanding alumni award.

Wolk ended the ceremony by emphasizing that Castleton is not done growing, yet will continue with tradition as the small university with a big heart.

A record number of students, staff and faculty packed into the familiar Casella Theater for convocation on Thursday, but instead of the usual State of the College Address, attendees heard Castleton’s first ever State of the University Address.

“For many decades, if not centuries to come, welcome to Castleton University,” proudly exclaimed Castleton President David Wolk in his opening remarks.

The Aug. 27 convocation also marked the first time a chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges has attended a convocation at the institution.

In his short speech, Chancellor Jeb Spaulding noted that on his way to campus he saw the road sign on Route 4 that once said “Castleton State College” was being changed.

Spaulding, on behalf of the VSC and the five colleges in the VSC system, applauded Castleton for this achievement, with special congratulations to Wolk.

“It’s never about him, always about everyone else and recognizing their contributions,” Spaulding said of Wolk.

In his speech, Wolk spoke of pride shared by all Spartans.

“Pride in our extended family, pride in our amazing students, pride in our exceptional faculty…pride in each other and pride in Castleton University,” he said.

He assured the audience that regardless of name changes, Castleton will always embrace the personalized, relationship-based education students have come to know.

Something else that will not change is tuition, which will experience a freeze for this and the next academic year. The statement was met with overwhelming applause.

Some changes that will occur, however, are in Rutland. In the last year, Castleton has expanded further into the city with the Castleton Downtown office and gallery as well as the soon-to-come dome, according to Wolk.

Another change is the number of international students on campus. This year, the university will host over 54 students from 17 countries, 13 visiting scholars from China and many new-Americans from 18 different countries.

“We welcome all of you and embrace all of you, because we are family,” Wolk said.

This international effort is assisted by the President’s Council on Inclusive Excellence, which will host diversity workshops. An international film festival will also be held in October to promote inclusion and expose students to cultures from around the world.

The University has also given over $3 million dollars in scholarships to make it possible for even more students to attend Castleton, according to Wolk.

During her short speech, President of the Faculty Assembly, Helen Mango, simply held up a sign saying “give” and “take” to give students a few reminders as they start the new semester.

“Give classes effort, give professors a chance, give blood,” she said. “Take advantage of opportunities, take care of yourself, take pride in your education.”

Commuter student of the semester Ken Stone, outstanding young alumni award recipient Mohamed Basha (’06) and outstanding alumni award recipient Susan Farrell (’69), were also all honored. Farrell, a professor in the nursing department, is the first individual to receive both the outstanding faculty and outstanding alumni award.

Wolk ended the ceremony by emphasizing that Castleton is not done growing, yet will continue with tradition as the small university with a big heart.