VTSU Castleton Inspires inclusion and equality at Convocation

VTSU Castleton convocation ceremony on Jan. 30, including a speech by VTSU President David Bergh.

An enthusiastic crowd gathered in the Vermont State University Castleton Casella Theater on Jan. 30 as speakers celebrated inclusion and diversity in recognition of Martin Luther King Day.  

The event included guest speaker Al Wakefield, who created the “Declaration of Inclusion,” which he hopes will span beyond Vermont. 

The event opened with VTSU Dean Cathy Kozlik recognizing an important historical figure in black history.

She recognized James Wheldon Johnson, a historical black activist and poet, and his work which helped usher in the “liberty of black Americans.” His song “Lift Every Voice” was then performed by the VTSU Castleton Chorale.

Kozlik then welcomed newcomers and alumni to the new semester and remembered former VTSU Dean Honoree Fleming, who was killed last year on the nearby Rail Trail.  

She praised the Student Government Association and everyone involved in making the last semester so successful.  She acknowledged the efforts of faculty, staff and students, including “Professor Dave Blow’s ‘Help Us Help Them’ event” and the collaboration of men’s hockey with the “Breaking the Ice on Mental Health” initiative.

Kozlik kept the mood positive as she acknowledged setbacks, like the water pipe break in Woodruff Hall. She thanked the disaster for the new flooring in the hall.

After reflecting, Kozlik encouraged “Let’s not forget the celebrations … Let’s all reflect on the great moments.”

Kozlik introduced VTSU Professor Andre Fleche, who began by offering his praise and encouragement to students.  

He then announced the accomplishments of the past semester such as “federally funded Head Start programs” and the Community Journalism Initiative.  He acknowledged the broadcasting of VTSU student film “Error 404: Books Not Found,” which was produced with the help of Professor Sam Davis-Boyd.

“Congratulations to all those involved,” said Fleche.  

He then concluded with a sincere, positive message.  

“Have a great semester,” he said.

Fleche introduced VTSU Castleton SGA President Thomas Kehoe to the stage. The crowd erupted into laughter as he joked about how his hair looked. Kehoe gave arguably the most encouraging and uplifting speeches of the night.

He told the audience the “energy and enthusiasm you bring every day helps this University thrive.” 

“Each of you plays a crucial role,” he said. 

He gave a special shoutout to seniors, saying, “Once a Spartan, always a Spartan.”

Kehoe left an inspired audience with encouraging words of advice.  

“Speak up and leave your mark,” he said before the crowd cheered on in unison as Kehoe exclaimed, “Go Spartans!”

VTSU Chief Diversity Officer Paul Yoon then gave a brief background and introduction of the event’s special guest speaker Al Wakefield.

He introduced Wakefield as the founder of the “Declaration of Inclusion Initiative.”

Yoon gave a hopeful and heartfelt remark, claiming he hopes that “we as a community can live up to our country’s ideals.” 

Wakefield entered the stage with his trusty flute, stating that he liked to bring it with him wherever he goes, which incited light-hearted chuckles from the audience. 

He introduced himself and then acknowledged his admiration for VTSU.  

“It’s good to see a university taking part in what goes on in town,” he said.

He explained that “very successful, very nice people graduate from Vermont State University.”

Wakefield then led the audience in rehearsing the Vermont “Declaration of Inclusion,” which condemns racism and welcomes all people regardless of race, religion, gender identity, age, sexual orientation.  

“That is the Declaration that has been signed by 160 towns,” he claimed afterward.

Wakefield continued his thoughtful views about Vermont and even added in a joke saying, “Vermont is a great state in terms of age…Vermont is a balding state in terms of age,” which garnered giggles from the audience. 

He discussed his past endeavors and encounters, which led to the creation of the Declaration of Inclusion.  He explained how his experiences in door-to-door Avon sales and marketing gave him the professional tools he needed to engage people in his proposal.

“It was not easy,” he remarked.

He explained how the Northern part of the state seemed to be more resilient to passing the declaration, but that Rutland County was the second most responsive to it. He presented a list of towns that have adopted it.

Wakefield then said “adoption is important,” but then explained the importance of implementation.  

He discussed his plans to follow up with the towns that have adopted the Declaration and see how far it has taken them.

“We think this has implications beyond Vermont,” Wakefield said.  “States are struggling to be competitive.”

The Castleton Collegiate Chorale performed at Convocation.

Wakefield discussed how although the moral part of the situation is important, it is also a matter of needing more than just the white people in communities to make things work.

“Folks have got to come from someplace,” he explained.

He encouraged the audience saying “You can exemplify the spirit of inclusion.”

Wakefield concluded, giving praise and encouragement to the campus and community.

VTSU President David Bergh took the stage after a heart-felt rendition of “True Light” was performed by the Chorale in remembrance of Dr. Tony Leach.

Bergh expressed pride as he acknowledged that he saw all but one campus on the list of inclusion and noted that there is room for improvement. 

He praised Yoon’s efforts and explained that we must “prioritize connection and conversation…even with those you don’t agree with…especially with those you don’t agree with.” 

DEI leader Paul Yoon spoke.

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