Large Turnout Reported for President’s Convocation
Dr. Irving C. Jones delivered the Convocation Address on September 15 in the George Daily Auditorium.
OSKALOOSA, Iowa –William Penn University staff, faculty and students welcomed a new school year during the annual President’s Convocation held on Thursday, September 15, in the George Daily Auditorium. The keynote speaker this fall was Dr. Irving C. Jones, Sr., William Penn College Class of 1975.
Anita Meinert, Humanities Division Chair and Director of Vocal and Keyboard Music, led the fanfare and processional to open for this event. Pastor James Tower of College Avenue Friends Church led the invocation before William Penn University President John Ottosson welcomed the crowd and made introductions. An introduction was given by the William Penn University Student Government Association President Carly Schmalz. Before his speech had even started, the George Daily Auditorium was standing room only, as members of the community joined faculty, staff and students to hear Dr. Jones’ message.
Dr. Irving C. Jones, Sr., a native son of New York City’s South Bronx, spent 34 years in public education. Dr. Jones received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from William Penn College, Master of Education Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Virginia, and his Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Dr. Jones was selected as the 2002 Outstanding High School Principal for Virginia. In October of 2002, Dr. Jones was named the 2003 NASSP/MetLife National Principal of the Year. Additionally, for his dedication to education in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2003, he was awarded The Virginia Lottery’s Excellence in Education Award.
To close out the convocation, the William Penn Singers led the Alma Mater and Tom Showalter, General Superintendent of the Iowa Yearly Meeting, gave the benediction. Meinert closed out the convocation with another fanfare and processional. The Dean’s Convocation will be held during the spring semester.
