OCTOBER 10, 2008 (MIAMI, FL) -- The FIU Honors College celebrates its 8th Annual Convocation on Monday, October 13. The event serves as an official welcome for the incoming freshman class and as a showcase of the talent and diversity of the Honors College student body. The day begins with the Parade of Nations and States at 1 PM in FIU University Park's Chapman Plaza. Students carry their representative flags from 45 nations and 15 states around campus. Members of the FIU marching band lead the parade, which ends outside the Graham Center, where the ceremony will take place at 2 PM. 

During the ceremony portion of Convocation, Executive Vice President and Provost Ronald Berkman will deliver the “Call to Excellence” and will be joined by university administrators, faculty fellows and special guests welcoming the new class to the Honors College.  The program includes awards for students submitting entries in areas such as art, poetry, essays and musical composition.

This year the program will include a tribute to successful Honors College alumni such as Maryland State Delegate Kirill Reznik, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health Garth Graham, Attorney Nicole Mestre, Professor Jacqueline Alfonso and actor Danny Pino.

The event is supported in part by Baptist Health South Florida and the many friends and donors of the Honors College.