35 Years in the Making: UW Tacoma’s Convocation Welcomes a New Academic Year

Students, families, faculty and staff gathered in downtown Tacoma to celebrate UW Tacoma’s Convocation, a lively annual celebration where pep rally meets street fair meets an early homecoming bash. 

Against a backdrop of historic brick buildings and turning leaves, the festivities filled the downtown area with music, food trucks and the energy of a campus stepping boldly into its 35th year.

The warm air carried scents of Tacos Mirrey parked outside the Mattress Factory, while music played and student organizations offered cupcakes, connection and limited-edition Tacoma Huskies swag. 

As the afternoon got underway, our community was reminded of a simple truth: each new academic year is a continuation of our individual and collective stories, woven into a local legacy of drive and innovation with historical significance.

A Community Coming Together

As Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Mentha Hynes-Wilson reminded the audience, Convocation literally means “coming together.” For UW Tacoma, that resonates at a meaningful frequency. Convocation is a statement of community, an affirmation that students belong here and a recognition that their journey will be shaped by the people, resources and opportunities around them.

Hynes-Wilson kicked off the program with a blend of enthusiasm and warmth, urging students to look around and connect. 

“Standing right beside you are the faculty and staff who are here to support you every step of the way,” she said. “Turn to the person next to you, give them a smile, a wave, a fist bump — whatever feels right — and say hello!”

Faculty and staff were called forward, school by school, as their presence drew applause. Staff members, the “heartbeat of the campus,” were recognized for their behind-the-scenes efforts that keep UW Tacoma running smoothly.

Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Andy Harris took the podium next, reflecting on the inspiration he draws from both students and faculty. 

“In the three years I’ve been in this position,” he said, “I’ve been continually inspired by the commitment of our faculty and staff to helping our students reach their goals — and even reach beyond them.”

Chancellor Sheila Edwards Lange followed, noting that Convocation is one of her favorite moments of the year. A first-generation college student herself, she recalled the excitement and apprehension of starting her academic journey, and the relief of finding a place where she felt at home.

Examining the question, “What does it mean to be a Tacoma Husky?” Chancellor Lange shared four qualities that define our campus community:

• Tacoma Huskies rise with community.
  Our success is intertwined with the success of our community. We advance alongside our region, building careers and creating mutual benefits that strengthen our shared future. When our community thrives, so do we.
   
• Tacoma Huskies value every voice. 
  We believe the best solutions come from working across differences. We embrace our backgrounds as strengths, bringing diverse perspectives that are essential to meaningful learning.​
   
• Tacoma Huskies turn knowledge into impact. 
  We take pride in serving something bigger than ourselves. We channel a world-class UW education into tangible community solutions, becoming leaders and changemakers who drive real progress.
   
• Tacoma Huskies create opportunity. 
  Our lived experiences help us see possibilities where others see obstacles. We charge forward to build new pathways for ourselves and for all those who follow.

“These four attributes are more than words,” Chancellor Lange said. “They are a reflection of our collective story. They tell us that UW Tacoma is a place where students grow, where families can feel confident their loved ones are supported, and where graduates are prepared to excel in whatever field they choose.”

Student Voices at the Center

A highlight of the program came from ASUWT President Elias Feleke, who brought energy and relatability to the podium, sharing his experience as a first-generation Ethiopian-Eritrean student navigating Tacoma’s campus. He described life in campus housing at Court 17 — late-night study sessions, shared meals, friendships that formed quickly and deeply — and the lessons he learned in building independence and community simultaneously.

“ASUWT showed me that students here don’t just take classes — we help shape this campus,” Feleke said. “And in the process, I found the brothers and sisters I’d thought I lost when my sibling and I went separate ways. I found them here at UW Tacoma.”

He encouraged students to use all resources available to them — including the University YMCA, the Center for Student Involvement, Career Services, the library, tutoring centers and the Office of First Gen. “This is your fresh start,” he said. “If you were shy in high school, nobody here knows that. Speak up, ask questions, and grow.”

As the program concluded, Vice Chancellor Hynes-Wilson returned to the stage, urging students to continue engaging with the community long after the first days of term. “Say hi to someone new, soak it all in and as always…Go Dawgs!” she said.

A Promising Start

As far as the eye could see, there was a sense of celebration and connection on view at the heart of campus. For the rest of the afternoon, Tacoma Huskies old and new came together to kick off another academic year with joy, curiosity and plenty of school spirit.

As Chancellor Lange reminded students in her closing remarks, “You belong here. Together, we are all here to help you cross that finish line.” 

On the Prairie Line Trail, with leaves turning and music thumping, that promise felt real, immediate and unmistakably Tacoma.

Watch a video recording of UW Tacoma Convocation here.