Interim President Ray Kieft invites the campus community to Fall Convocation, scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, in the Tivoli Turnhalle. Recipients of Distinguished Service Awards, Gold Key Awards and emeritus status will be recognized, followed by a brief address by Kieft.

Kieft said the event will scaled down from previous years, adding that refreshments will consist of coffee, juice and pastries. "The financial squeeze the college is experiencing means that we have to be cognizant of minimizing costs wherever we can," he explained.

Since coming on board earlier this summer, Kieft has spent much of his time on campus, having met with over 300 faculty, staff, administrators and students both formally and informally. "I believe in management by observation. Getting out and walking around is a great way to get to know the campus," he said.

Last Friday, about 150 faculty and staff turned out to meet Kieft during a two-hour Meet and Greet at the St. Francis Center.

Political Science Professor Norman Provizer thought Kieft's Meet and Greet was a wonderful idea. "Not that it's a substitute for formal meetings, but it sets the right tone with faculty and staff. What we're all about is the exchange of ideas."

Jim Blanchette, administrative assistant for the Sociology Department said that he enjoyed the event. "You get to know who the president is and he has the opportunity to get to know who you are."