By Bradley Radu / Staff Writer 

Missouri Valley University’s 2026 Convocation celebration may have been divided across two weeks, but the extended schedule gave students additional opportunities to connect, get involved on campus, and welcome new Vikings into the Valley community.

Convocation Week began Sept. 1 with activities designed to bring students, faculty, and staff together. Events included the Purple Patch Launch Party, Involvement Fair, Pops with Profs, Wellness Wednesday, Slip and Slide, and Casino Night. The Student Research Symposium Poster Showcase also ran throughout the week.

The official Convocation ceremony was originally planned as part of the earlier celebration, but high temperatures caused the university to reschedule it for Sept. 16. 

Vice President of Academic Affairs Cynthia J. Bice described Convocation as an opportunity for students to become more connected with the university community.

“Convocation is more than a ceremony. It is a chance to celebrate being a Viking, connect with your campus community, enjoy the President’s Picnic, and help us celebrate Missouri Valley University – Our Next Chapter, Our Story, Our Future!”

Kelley McKay Fuemeller, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, was a featured speaker at the event. Fuemeller was the 2026 recipient of the McCallum Excellence in Teaching Award. She told students that when she was a freshman at what was then Missouri Valley College more than 30 years ago, she never envisioned she would be where she is today. She was not an English major and had not considered being a professor herself. 

“The decisions you make every day will change the plot of your story,” she said. “Your story is being written in real time. Your Missouri Valley experience will be what you make it.”

During his address to students, MVU President Joe Parisi challenged students to answer the question, “What’s next?” He said students can do this by keeping in mind three words: Connect, Become and Contribute. 

“Don’t experience college from the sidelines,” he said. “Create meaningful moments.”

Parisi told students that they are not here to merely earn a degree.

“You’re here to build confidence, skills, relationships, character and a foundation for your career success and a fulfilling life,” he said. 

Parisi also reminded students that equally important to what they take away from their college experience is the contribution they make to it.

“When you contribute, you make Missouri Valley a better place,” he said.

Additional speakers at the event included Kelsey Lacey, a 2021 graduate and this year’s Outstanding Young Alum, Marshall Mayor Craig Thompson and Katie Shannon, a member of the MVU Board of Trustees. 

After the ceremony, students, faculty, and staff moved to the MVU Quad for the President’s Picnic. The afternoon continued in the Eckilson-Mabee Theatre with Voices from the Valley and the Viking Quest Hour kickoff.

Student Government Association President Luyando Masocha said Convocation is important because it represents the beginning of a student’s experience at Missouri Valley.

“Because it marks the beginning of the Valley experience. It’s where traditions start, connections are made and your Viking voyage truly begins.”

The idea of making connections was present throughout both weeks of activities. The Involvement Fair gave students an opportunity to learn about clubs and organizations, while Pops with Profs encouraged students to meet faculty members outside of the classroom. Events such as Slip and Slide and Casino Night also provided students with opportunities to meet new people and spend time with other members of the Valley community.