Convocation is on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 2 p.m. On-stage participants must arrive by 1:30 p.m.
Event Location: Schneebeck Concert Hall
Academic Convocation is a celebration of student achievement. The event will feature remarks by a student and faculty speaker and the presentation of university awards. Awards range from accolades for research, creative work, academics, and service to a department/program. Invitations to the students who will be recognized on stage or in the program will go out via email by April 18th, 2025. Even if a student is not receiving an award, everyone is welcome to attend the ceremony and support the achievements of their peers.
Faculty Speaker for Academic Convocation - Samuel Kigar
Samuel Kigar is Associate Professor of Islam in the Department of Religion, Spirituality, and Society. A specialist in Islamic studies, his research focuses on intersections of religion and politics. His book, titled Islamic Terroir: Religion, Community, and Land in Modern Morocco, forthcoming from University of Chicago Press, concerns how Moroccan notions of territory emerged from within Muslim sources in the twentieth century. His work also examines intersections of religion and literature, environment, and gender. He teaches courses on Islam, antisemitism and Islamophobia, Judaism, and the interplay of religion, politics, and climate change.
Professor Kigar's Convocation talk is titled "Art Is What People Do When They Are Free."
Student Speaker for Academic Convocation - Andrew Benoit
Andrew Benoit is graduating with a major in Sociology and Anthropology and a minor in History. Passionate about student journalism, Andrew has been deeply involved with Puget Sound's student newspaper The Trail for four years, serving as editor-in-chief for the past two. Their writing and photography have also been featured in Crosscurrents journal and Wetlands magazine. Beyond journalism, Andrew worked as a writing tutor at the Center for Writing and Learning for three years, helping students refine their academic writing. They have also undertaken multiple summer research projects, including an international study in Ireland on Neolithic passage tombs. In their sophomore year, Andrew was honored with the W. Houston Dougharty Hearthstone Award for their positive contributions to student life on campus.
Andrew’s Academic Convocation address is titled "The Liberal Arts and the Crisis of the Moment."
Musical Performers for Academic Convocation
- Connor Adams '25, cello
- Ethan Chythlook '26, violin
- Eli Connolly '25, violin
- Keola Tabisola ‘25, viola
