Dillard University recently hosted its first presidential convocation led by Interim President Dr. Monique Guillory, marking a significant milestone as we welcome the Class of 2028. The event gathered faculty, staff, and students to celebrate new beginnings and inspire academic excellence within our community.
Dean of Students, Dr. Courtney Williams welcomed the Class of 2028, celebrating the historic year in which they embark on their collegiate journey. Reflecting on the world’s challenges, Dr. Williams recognized the resilience required in today’s society. “What a time to be alive,” he said, underscoring the importance of hope and opportunity amidst adversity. He encouraged students to engage actively with campus life and the greater New Orleans community, calling for empathy and compassion as essential values for their development.
“Embrace the change. Don’t end the year the way that you started,” Dean Williams urged, motivating students to set goals that stretch their limits and foster growth.
The Student Government Association (SGA) President, Abbey-Lynn Gonzalez ’25, shared her insights on building a legacy. “Understanding your purpose is the first step in building your legacy,” she emphasized, highlighting the significance of self-discovery in college. She called on students to “get involved” and make meaningful connections within the campus community and beyond, reinforcing the idea that “your legacy will not be built in isolation.”
In her address, Interim President Guillory emphasized the power of dreams and the importance of community collaboration. “You are blessed to be in a place that is designed to help your dreams come true, but it is up to you to know what those dreams are,” she stated, encouraging students to actively pursue their aspirations. She highlighted the role of the university as a supportive environment, stating, “If studying abroad is a desire you have in your heart, please talk to somebody about it, and we will make it happen.”
Continuing the theme of nurturing potential, the Dr. Guillory shared a poignant excerpt from Khalil Gibran’s poem on children, conveying the essence of guidance and respect for individuality: “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself.” This metaphor resonated throughout the convocation, reminding everyone present of the university’s commitment to shaping future leaders while honoring their unique paths. “Let your bending be in the archer’s hand for gladness,” she concluded, inspiring attendees to embrace their journeys with purpose.
As the convocation drew to a close, Interim President Guillory expressed her excitement for the year ahead: “The Dillard of today is the place for which our fathers died. While we are a historically black institution, I want to challenge our students to imagine, innovate, and create what it means to be a futuristically black institution.”
This inaugural convocation set the tone for an academic year filled with inspiration, collaboration, and growth. As Dillard University embraces its legacy, it invites every student, faculty member, and staff to contribute to shaping a brighter future together.
