Convocation is more than just the official start of the academic year; it is a “calling of all of us together” and a way to welcome new students into the Flagler College community. From centuries-old rituals to heartfelt reflections from faculty, leaders, and students, the 2025 Convocation for the Class of 2029 offered wisdom, humor, and inspiration for the journey ahead. Here are nine key takeaways:
1. Begin with gratitude.
Through a beautiful greeting, Dr. Justin Forbes, Assistant Professor of Religion and Director of the Center for Religion and Culture, reminded students that gratitude shapes how we live and learn together. Convocation is a moment to pause, be thankful, and carry that spirit into the year ahead.
2. The railroad spike marks your beginning.
Flagler’s Convocation traditions carry meaning, and perhaps none more so than the railroad spike students received as they entered the ceremony. “Just as Henry Flagler laid track piece by piece to connect Florida, you too are beginning your Flagler story—laying the foundation for what comes next,” said Tara Stevenson, Vice President of Student Affairs. “A spike may look odd on its own, but together with others it creates strength, stability, and connection,” just like the Flagler community.
The railroad spike also represents a full-circle moment for Flagler students. During Commencement, students will trade the iron spike for a silver one—symbolizing the lasting legacy they’ve built at Flagler.
3. Don’t obsess over grades—focus on learning and experiences.
Keynote speaker Jim Gilmore, Visiting Filmmaker and Professor of Cinematic Arts, encouraged students not to let grades or majors define them. Instead, he urged them to take risks, embrace challenges, and even be willing to fail, noting that what you create and experience in college often matters more than your GPA. He encouraged students to “find a class you think might be interesting and take it, even if you might think you’ll fail.”
4. Try on new lenses.
Gilmore described academic theories as “new pairs of glasses” that help us see the world differently. College is a chance to experiment with perspectives, connect ideas across disciplines, and expand your understanding.
5. Think critically.
Critical thinking means separating “the wheat from the chaff,” Gilmore reminded students. In an age of endless information, it’s vital to verify facts, question sources, and protect spaces like Flagler where truth and independent analysis can thrive. Truth, data, evidence, facts. Curating these things is the very heart of critical thinking. He encouraged students to demand that facts and data presented to them be verified.
6. Keep an eye on your dreams.
Gilmore urged students to nurture their dreams, even when setbacks occur, and to make the dream a verb rather than a noun. Not just “a job” or “money.” But “to grow,” “to support,” “to inspire.” Whatever students choose. Using examples from his own life and theater, he reminded students that failure can be a step toward later success if they stay committed to what inspires them.
7. Live with graciousness.
Gilmore closed with a lesson from his own alma mater: “The end of learning is gracious living.” At Flagler, that means kindness, compassion, generosity, and empathy. True success lies not only in what you achieve, but in how you live.
8. Live Flagler’s core values.
Following Gilmore’s remarks, SGA President Mia Melendez highlighted the four core values of the College: Transformative Learning, Respectful and Inclusive Community, Citizenship with Integrity, and Thoughtful Stewardship. She encouraged students to branch out, seize opportunities, and hold themselves to high standards of honesty, kindness, and responsibility. These values, she said, will not only guide students during their time at Flagler but throughout their lives.
9. Belonging is a practice.
Dr. Forbes provided closing remarks, emphasizing that belonging isn’t automatic; it’s something we build through honesty, courage, and respect. At Flagler, students are invited to create a community rooted in care.
As the ceremony officially drew to a close, the Flagler College Key of Seas choir performed the alma mater, “Here We Stand, Together.” Their voices filled the auditorium, underscoring the sense of unity, tradition, and pride that defines Convocation. For the Class of 2029, it was a powerful reminder that while each journey will be unique, they now stand together as part of the Flagler College community.
