Convocation August 23, 2026 9:30 AM Hinkle Fieldhouse
Butler University
Welcome to the 2026 Butler University Convocation President James M. Danko, Provost and Executive Vice President Michael Hole, the faculty, and University leaders celebrate your admission to the Butler University community of scholars.
PROCESSIONAL CHIEF FACULTY MARSHAL Andrew Schmelz, Chair of Faculty Senate and Associate Professor Pharmacy Practice
FACULTY MARSHAL 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
PROVOST and EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hole
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 | Jay Howard, Vice President for Academic Affairs | 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 LuAnne McNulty (Interim), College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Brooke Kandel, College of Education and Human Development and (Interim) Founder’s College Craig Caldwell, Lacy School of Business Robert Soltis ’87, College of Health Professions Lisa Brooks, Jordan College of the Arts Suzanne Reading (Interim), College of Communication
STAFF ASSEMBLY Britany Goodpaster, Chair of Staff Assembly
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION Douglas Baldino ’27, Student Body President
CEREMONY OPENING Andrew Schmelz, Chair of Faculty Senate and Associate Professor Pharmacy Practice
BUILDING YOUR COMMUNITY Khalilah Marbury, Vice President DEISA and Student Affairs Douglas Baldino, Student Government President
OUR UNIVERSITY ANTHEM “THE ROAD HOME” Members of the University Chorale Music by Stephen Paulus | Text by Michael Dennis Browne The Butler University Chorale under the direction of Robert Bolyard, Interim Director of Butler University Chorale
EVERY BULLDOG HAS A STORY Lori Green, Vice President for Enrollment Management
LEARNING WITHOUT LIMITS Michael Hole, Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs
SETTING THE STANDARD James Danko, President
OUR ALMA MATER Members of the Butler University Chorale, joined by Becky Marsh, Associate Professor of Music 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
CEREMONY CLOSING AND RECESSIONAL Andrew Schmelz 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, Provost Hole, Associate Provosts, Vice Presidents, Deans, and Faculty from each college on the upper south lawn of the Sellick Bowl 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.
Any additional questions may be directed to Butler staff and students wearing lanyards.
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.
Click on this link to access live captioning for today’s ceremony. Captioning can be viewed on your personal mobile device.
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.