Morrison Center Adress Boise

Hundreds attend Convocation

Dream big. Study hard. Stay focused.

Those were the themes of Boise State President Bob Kustra’s speech to several hundred new students and their parents during convocation Aug. 19 in the Morrison Center.

“We truly are excited about the beginning of this school year,” Kustra said.

Though at times rambling, Kustra’s roughly 10-minute speech highlighted the services Boise State offers to help students succeed both academically and socially.

“If you do your job, we will do ours,” Kustra said. “We’re here to make you succeed.”

Kustra also highlighted Boise State’s recognition by U.S. New and World Report as an “up-and-coming” university, a distinction it has held for two years in a row. In addition, he attributed much of Boise State’s recent growth to the success of the football team.

But most importantly, Kustra made sure the newest members of the Bronco family felt welcome.

“We have a chance to refresh and renew ourselves,” Kustra said. “Boise State University is on an incredible ride.”

Other speakers included Vice President of Student Affairs Lisa Harris and ASBSU President Brandie VanOrder, both of whom touched on the importance of setting goals.

“Today is a day to celebrate,” VanOrder said. “Dream big.”

New vice President of Student Affairs Lisa Harris, Ph.D., had similar words.

“You can be anything you want to be [at Boise State],” said Harris. “How are you going to invest your time at Boise State?”

Immediately after Convocation was the Short Stack Shindig, an annual event that featured blue and orange colored pancakes for students and parents.

Head Football Coach Chris Petersen, typically one of the headlining speakers at Convocation, was not in attendance. Men’s Basketball Head Coach Leon Rice was also absent.

Other orientation events throughout the weekend included a shopping trip to Fred Meyer, a film in the outdoor amphitheater, and an evening at the Rec Center.

Parkinson's 'My Favorite Liszt' Leads off Faculty Artist Series ...

Boise State piano professor Del Parkinson will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, in the recital hall of the Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is $5 general, $3 seniors and free for students of all ages and Boise State faculty and staff.

The recital is the first of the season for Boise State’s Faculty Artist Series. Concerts continue throughout the academic year. The fall lineup includes: Nicole Molumby, flute, 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 16; Jeanne Belfy, oboe, and Janelle Oberbillig, bassoon, 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 23; Lynn Berg, baritone, 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 24; Craig Purdy, violin, and Peggy Purdy, piano, 4 p.m. on Sept. 25; and Brian Hodges, cello, and Betsi Hodges, piano, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28.

Parkinson’s program, called “My Favorite Liszt,” will feature some of the Hungarian composer’s best-known works, including Mephisto Waltz and Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2. Franz Liszt was a master showman and one of the greatest piano virtuosos of all time. In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of his birth, the presentation will incorporate visual images to dramatize his life story. The accompanying narration will traverse his fascinating formative years, a formidable performing career, an astonishing shift to composition, and a startling religious devotion in his reflective years.

“Liszt is a perennial favorite of audiences around the world, and the selections on this program epitomize the quintessential nature of his astonishing style,” said Parkinson, who has recorded seven CDs and recently was named to the international roster of Steinway artists.

The performance schedule is subject to change. For more information about Boise State’s Music Department and a full calendar of performances, visit www.boisestate.edu/music .

Beloved, a novel

The lords, and The new creatures, poems

Toni Morrison

Song of Solomon

Paradise