Cumberland University’s 177th convocation ceremony took place on Wednesday in the Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena. Members of the board of trust, students, faculty, staff and community members gathered to officially kick off the 2018-2019 academic year. Dr. Joy Kimbrell, former Interim Dean of the Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions and current Associate Professor of Nursing, was the macebearer and led the processional of deans and senior University administrators dressed in regalia.

President Stumb, University Chaplain Dr. Mike Ripski, and Student Government Association President Kayla Sanders offered words of inspiration and encouragement. Dr. Stumb told students “It’s your moment to be reborn a Phoenix.” The ceremony was rounded out by the recitation of the Cumberland Creed and singing of the alma mater.

The tradition of the “Heart of the Phoenix” immediately followed the ceremony. This tradition entails students, faculty and staff writing down any fears or concerns about completing their education or achieving their dreams, and placing them in the fire pit to burn. This year’s enrollment class marks the largest in school history. Official enrollment figures will be made available in the next few weeks.