William Jewell College - Tatler Yearbook (Liberty, MO)

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l6! Opening convocation celebrates . . . . Luciano Pavarotti by Kirk Priddy Red and black banners follow- ed the flags, together in proces- sion with the faculty mace. The eyes in the packed rows of C-ano, however, did not watch the pomp and circumstance of the college symbols. Instead, every gaze was fixed under the balcony, strained to catch a first glimpse of a star, affixed, for a moment, in the lewell crown - the world- renown tenor, Luciano Pavarotti. His presence gave a classic touch to an impressive Opening Convocation and highlighted the formal commencement of the school year. Against the gold and black of the new curtains adorning the chapel platform, numerous honors and awards were given. First, the Yates Medallions for Distinguished Service were awarded to four leaders in Civic Affairs from the Kansas City com- munity. These were bussinessmen lay B. Dillingham, lohn B. Francis, I. Eric Helsing and musician Russell Patterson. The college also recognized two other individuals by the awarding of honorary degrees. An honorary Doctor of Letters degree was presented to the director of the William lewell Fine Arts program, Richard L. Har- Convocation riman. Among his many ac- complishments noted bv col- league Dr. D. Dean Dunham in the presentation speech was Har- riman's role in bringing the best of the arts to the William lewell cam- pus and the Kansas City area. One artist who made his American debut in the Fine Arts program was honored with a Doctor of Music degree at the same time. Luciano Pavarotti ac- cepted the degree and the long standing ovation given by the au- dience with tears in his eyes and an emotion choked voice. Cameras flashed as Pavarotti and the lewell audience shared a mo- ment of pride and joy, enhanced by the fresh memory of his Fine Arts benefit concert held on the previous evening. Honors and awards, however, were only part of the September Convocation program. They were complemented by other elements of worship and ceremony that blended together to form a memorable event. The Salutation by Dr. Kingsley entitled ll. . . And then Agair e sentimental singing of the alm mater each gave a classic touch t the formal opening of anothe school year. Begin , the choral anthem and th ' c I 2 x l 4 I i 5 l A A Left: Richa Degree. Al Pa varotti's, l n :' A

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me-1 fit' l 1 1 , f l .y. i, l ' 4 l . 3? , fm P' S. N. N it it A I W'-I ig . l. . as 'f- ff .f 4, . - . .N K . Above: Governor Christopher Bond converses after speaking at the Founder's Day convocation. - Below: The Houston Ballet performs in the Fine Arts Series at the Music Hall. The Houston Ballet was one of the many top-quality performers the Fines Arts Program brought to Kansas City this year. 6. QF' .- 'Li 4, 1 . 4, -. -P M .twmr ' ' ,Q Qu U ' , in 'L 'tr' Whether they were giving lectures, speaking in classes or performing on stage lewell students were able to see M their share of Famous Faces by leff Ellis and Sara Landers ust because William lewell is not in the Big Eight con- ference does not mean it is lacking the prestige necessary to draw famous faces. William lewell has had the honor to be on the schedule of many great peo- ple - including Luciano . Pavarotti and lfohn Houseman. ' William lewell's history and people have offered many famous faces op- portunities to share their past ex- periences and at the same time build their futures. According to Dr. I. Gor- don Kingsley, president. of the college: The great, the near-great and the would be great come to William Jewell because they want to share their lives and experiences with our students. Most successful people like to share with students as a kind of investment in tomorrow. They know William lewell stands for excellence. . Luciano Pavarotti is an example of a world renowned performer who returned in .1983 to the stage in Gano Chapel where he made his American debut. This time he was able to share his talent with the people he shared it with first. ' We provide a good forum for peo- ple to share their ideas. Our college is a prestigious place for performers and speakers. Two Presidents -U Truman and johnson have spoken here, Kingsley explained. Q i Following Pavarotti's visit, William lewell welcomed lohn Houseman anfi The Acting Company to campus. This ' V. V -. K1 -.-- I V . .i F ' - '- ' , ' ' 2,4 ' - .....a..,....., ......-,.........fa...a,..:.,,-,, ii i -f.-.g - - , .:f.- vai..3:5: Q -,ff-.X 'Al': 'l'TT'h - -J-' ?f 'l' fy ' .. - V ' ' - x - NH-g.--...--, a. , ,da ,,., of - -fa , ,I f N.5f-. ,Q-.-ci .3,fc.+-args, - , .f.s'.-. . was quite an accomplishment since The Acting Company only attends about six universities a year. Dr. Kim Harris was honored William lewell had the opportunity to hear Houseman speak since he is one of the major figuresin American Theatre. A ul was impressed by his warmth and lack of conceit. He spoke of living the theater in this country. A lot of people can talk about it, but who lives it? Har- ris said. Another reason William lewell at- tracts many prominent people is through the efforts of Dr. Richard Har- riman, Director of the Fine Arts Pro- gram. Harriman travels to New York Ci- ty numerous times each year to keep abreast of fine arts and the theatre. However, traveling is not all that Har- riman does to bring talent to William lewell's Fine Arts Program. Harriman has the ability to communicate and com- mand respect and admiration of people on a very distinguishable level. . A member of the Royal Shakespeare theatre commented that- 'RichardaHar- riman was the most civilized person he had ever met.' He' has a tremendous ability to woe important figures, Harris said. Through the commendable efforts of Richard Harriman and from the ora of prestige that radiates from the Hill, William lewell certainly attracts its share of famous faces. A ff We treat people as important human beings. The great ones of the world discover what the rest of us already know: William lewell is a good place -to be, Kingsley concluded. Famous Faces 1 15

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