Castleton University Fall Convocation 2022
Castleton University kicked off its fall semester at Convocation on Thursday, Sept. 1. The event brought a crowd of more than 300 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to Casella Theater – with more watching virtually on Zoom.
Following a performance by the Castleton Wind Symphony, Campus Executive Director Cathy Kozlik welcomed students back to campus – including more than 600 new students who recently joined the Castleton family.
Kozlik reflected on a summer that had campus buzzing – from the Boston Crusaders who serenaded the campus community every day while practicing on the grounds to the athletic camps filled with potential future Spartans – and looked ahead to what’s to come this semester with the start of the fall sports season, classes, and more. She identified some of the ways she’s seen The Castleton Way at work, celebrating some of Castleton’s unsung heroes – including facilities staff and several others – who work tirelessly to support our students in ways that often go unrecognized.
“From the voluntary extra efforts of faculty to see a need and fill it, applying for grants, and creating programs like the Center for Social Justice and Trauma Informed Care to the news that over the summer, a Castleton football player who was part of the Be the Match campaign became the fifth Spartan to donate bone marrow to help save a life,” she said.
Coordinator of Pathway Program for English Language Learners Adrienne Matunas introduced 44 new international students who come to Castleton from 17 countries, including Algeria, Germany, Italy, India, Japan, Pakistan, Sweden, and Spain. It is the largest cohort of incoming international students in the University’s history.
Faculty Assembly President Dr. Preston Garcia welcomed students back to campus on behalf of Castleton’s dedicated professors, joking that they work hard to get students here and then spend the next four years getting them ready to leave. He encouraged students to lean on their professors when they need it.
Student Government Association Perry Ragouzis – a sophomore Political Science major from Colorado – shared his experience as a Castleton student, reflecting on those who came before him while encouraging his fellow students to find something they’re passionate about and get involved on campus.
“You see, in my limited time here at Castleton, I have learned one very important thing. I’ve learned that giants have walked this stage. People of unbelievable talent, intellect, and skill have lived in these halls, have walked these sidewalks, have attended these classes, and stood where I stand now,” he said. “Each one of these people started not so different from anyone else in this room today. But each one of them was given a moment, a chance they wouldn’t have received anywhere else, to change their life forever. That’s what Castleton provides.”
Castleton’s President Dr. Parwinder Grewal – who also serves as the inaugural president of Vermont State University – welcomed new, first-year students to campus. He encouraged them to look for opportunities at Castleton and assured them that, like him, the connection they feel to the university would be strong. He encouraged them to put their studies first but echoed Ragouzis’ sentiment to get involved on campus.
The crowd also enjoyed a performance by the University Chorale, which led those in attendance through the Castleton Anthem.