August 24, 2021

The lawn of Venable Hall was once again filled with celebration and brotherhood as Hampden-Sydney College marked the beginning of its 247th academic year with Opening Convocation on Monday, August 23.

Student leader addresses the student bodyat opening convocation on the steps of Venable HallAfter new student government officers took their oaths of office, Student Body President J. Scott H. Pittman ’22 charged students and specifically seniors to savor every moment together this year:

“Our time on the Hill has gone by too quickly, but we do have an amazing year ahead of us and plenty to look forward to.” 

Dean of the Faculty Walter McDermott and President Larry Stimpert presented awards to the following students in recognition of academic and extracurricular excellence:

James Edward Garrison ’22 received the President's Award for Overall Academic Excellence.

James Barta Wall ’22 received the President's Award for Academic Excellence in Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

Brendan David Dudding ’22 received the President's Award for Academic Excellence in Social Sciences.

Elijah Howard Edwards ’22 received the President's Award for Academic Excellence in Humanities.

Loyal T. Grimes IV ’23  received the President's Award for Scholarship and Character.

Andrew Michael Rehak ’23 received the Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, given to the junior with the highest cumulative grade point average.

Loyal T. Grimes IV ’23 received the Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, given to the junior with the second highest cumulative grade point average.

Bryson T. Smith ’24 received the Omicron Delta Kappa Award, given to a member of the sophomore class who demonstrated real leadership potential during his freshman year.

Civility requires that we respect all members of our College community. We are all a part of something bigger than ourselves, and we represent Hampden-Sydney and one another at all times and in all places.

President Larry Stimpert

In his convocation address, President Stimpert reflected on the importance of staying engaged, treating each other with respect, and practicing civility. “Civility requires that we respect all members of our College community,” he said. “We are all a part of something bigger than ourselves, and we represent Hampden-Sydney and one another at all times and in all places.”  

the backs of seated students atending opening convocation on Venable Hall lawn

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