AUGUST 24, 2025 9:30 AM
HINKLE FIELDHOUSE
Welcome to the 2025 Butler University Convocation
President James M. Danko, Interim Provost Dr. Jay Howard, the faculty, and other University leaders celebrate your admission to the Butler University community of scholars.
PROCESSIONAL
CHIEF FACULTY MARSHAL
Dr. Stacy O’Reilly, Chair of Faculty Senate and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
FACULTY MARSHAL
Dr. Travis Ryan, Associate Provost and Professor of Biological Sciences
STUDENT
MARSHALS
Martha Dziwlik, Dean of Students | Scott Peden, Executive Director, Student Well-being
PLATFORM PARTY
PRESIDENT
James M. Danko
INTERIM PROVOST and EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Dr. Jay Howard
UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP
Claire Aigotti, General Counsel and Vice President | Melissa Beckwith, Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President | Alan Finn, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Lori Greene, Vice President for Enrollment Management | Brenda Harrington, Chief Human Resources Officer and Vice President | Aaron Hurt, Vice President for Arts, Events, and Enterprise Management Grant Leiendecker, Vice President for Athletics | Khalilah Marbury, Vice President for DEI and Student Affairs | Jonathan Purvis, Vice President for Advancement and Marketing
ACADEMIC DEANS
Dr. LuAnne McNulty (Interim), College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Dr. Brooke Kandel, College of Education
Dr. Craig Caldwell, Lacy School of Business
Dr. Robert Soltis ’87, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Dr. Lisa Brooks, Jordan College of the Arts
Dr. Joseph Valenzano, College of Communication
Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty, Founder’s College
STAFF ASSEMBLY
Britany Goodpaster, Chair of Staff Assembly
COMMUNITY SPEAKER
Chris Gahl ’00, Visit Indy and Butler University Trustee
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
Eloise Ayotte ’26, Student Body President
OPENING
Dr. Stacy O’Reilly, Chair of Faculty Senate and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
ANTHEM
“The Road Home”
Music by Stephen Paulus
Text by Michael Dennis Browne
The Butler University Chorale under the direction of Dr. Eric Stark, Professor of Music
WELCOME
Dr. Jay Howard , Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Khalilah Marbury, Vice President for DEI and Student Affairs
GREETINGS to the CLASS
Lori Greene, Vice President for Enrollment Management
Eloise Ayotte ’26, Student Body President, Student Government Association
Chris Gahl ’00, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Indy and Butler University Trustee
James M. Danko, President
ALMA MATER
The Butler University Chorale Students and families, please join us in singing the alma mater.
GALLERY of MEMORIES
In the gallery of memories
There are pictures bright and fair, And I find that dear old Butler Is the brightest one that’s there.
Alma Mater, how we love thee, With a love that ne’er shall fade. And we feel we owe a debt to thee That never can be paid.
- Fred W. Wolfe 1916
RECESSIONAL
Dr. Stacy O’Reilly
Students are released from their seats by the student marshals and greeted by the faculty as they recess to gather for the class photo at the Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl. Families should remain seated until the students and faculty have left the Fieldhouse.
RECEPTION
Students and families are invited to join President Danko, Interim Provost Howard, Associate Provosts, Vice Presidents, Deans, and Faculty from each college on the Health and Recreation Center lawn outside of Hinkle Fieldhouse for light refreshments and conversation.
Orientation staff will also be available at the information station to answer any questions you may have about the rest of the week.
FACILITY INFORMATION
RESTROOMS
• Restrooms are located on the first floor in the east and west hallways and on the second floor/ track level.
RAMPS
• As a building on the National Historic Register, Hinkle Fieldhouse is equipped with only one elevator located in the west hallway. Additionally, a ramp system is in place to allow movement between the various levels within the building. The ramps can be found on the far east and far west lower levels of Hinkle Fieldhouse. Please utilize the ramps to take you between the lower level and the track level of the fieldhouse. Wheelchairs are not permitted on the ramp system.
SPIRIT SHOP
• Open before and after the Ceremony
• Located inside Hinkle Fieldhouse, Gate 4, the Spirit Shop sells Butler jerseys, shirts, basketballs, books, and much more.
FIRST AID
• Fischer Sports Medicine Office, located in the west hallway.
• EMT will be on site.
LACTATION ROOM
• Please feel free to use the Fischer Sports medicine office located in the west hallway.
SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS
• The use of any form of tobacco, nicotine, or vaping/smoking device is prohibited on the Butler University campus.
Any additional questions may be directed to Butler staff and students wearing lanyards.
Butler University, founded on ideals of equity and academic excellence, creates and fosters a collaborative, stimulating intellectual learning environment. We are inspired to boldly innovate and broadly educate, enriching communities and preparing all learners to lead meaningful lives.