The university, college and school banners are brought to the front of the line as DePaul University faculty and staff mark the beginning of the school year during Academic Convocation on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. (DePaul University/Jamie Moncrief)
As DePaul kicks off its 121st academic year, it welcomes one of the largest, most diverse and most academically prepared freshman classes
in the university’s history. Faculty and staff celebrated this achievement at the annual convocation ceremony on Aug. 30 at the St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Lincoln Park.
Provost Marten denBoer shared opening remarks, outlining key initiatives the university will pursue in the year ahead with the launch of the new strategic plan - Grounded in Mission: The Plan for DePaul 2024.
“The plan commits us to developing and providing academic programs that are high quality and meet the needs of our students and of society. It emphasizes academic rigor and a culture of creativity,” denBoer said.
President A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D., delivered closing remarks at the end of the ceremony, sharing his optimism for the year ahead. He emphasized that DePaul is well on track to continue to excel.
“I believe in DePaul because I believe in you,” Dr. Esteban said. “As I enter the second year of my presidency at DePaul, I remain humbled to be at the helm of this outstanding university. More than anything, I feel joyful and blessed.”