By Larry B. Dendy
Former Gov. Zell Miller, one of the university’s newest faculty members, will welcome new students and faculty to campus on Aug. 22.
 Miller is the featured speaker at UGA’s first Fall Convocation at 2 p.m. in Stegeman Coliseum.
Miller, governor of Georgia from 1990 until this year, is joining UGA’s Institute of Higher Education as a Distinguished Professor of Higher Education and the first holder of the Philip H. Alston Jr. Chair.
“Gov. Miller is the ideal choice to speak at this convocation,” says Karen Holbrook, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “He is nationally known for his vision and innovation in higher education, and he will give our new students an inspiring introduction into this community of learning.”
All incoming freshmen and their parents will be invited. Invitations will also be sent to new graduate students, new transfer students and new faculty.
The idea for a program to welcome new students was recommended by a task force on the quality of undergraduate life at UGA. Gretchen D’Huyvetter, a student from Marietta, learned about the idea at a student leadership program last summer and began working with university officials to organize the convocation.
The convocation will begin with a procession of faculty in academic regalia.
“The faculty symbolizes the University of Georgia’s highest value--the importance of learning,” Holbrook says. “The strong presence of faculty will send a powerful message to these new students that they have come to a place where knowledge and intellectual growth are paramount.”
Poet Judith Ortiz Cofer, a professor in the English department, will read a poem she has written for the occasion.
The convocation will be followed by a reception.
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