University of Idaho President Chuck Staben said he loves attending the university convocation at the start of the academic year, but joked that his least favorite moments are the ones where he is in the spotlight.
“We have a featured speaker from outside the university, typically,” Staben said. “And the Faculty Senate chair gives a short speech. I give a short speech, and I would say my least favorite part is my giving a speech. But I really do think that for me (convocation) is about that renewal.”
This year”s convocation will take place at 8:30 a.m. Friday in the Kibbie Dome and will feature actor Tony Plana as the guest speaker, Plana, known for playing the role of Ignacio Suarez in the show “Ugly Betty,” has also starred in hit TV shows and movies such as “Three Amigos” and “The West Wing.”
In 2006, he received the Golden Satellite Award from the International Press Academy for the role.
Outside of his acting career, Plana advocates for civic engagement, diversity and education.
Plana attributes his success to his education. He received his bachelor”s degree in literature and theater arts from Loyala-Marymount University and received professional training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
While speaking at schools directly to students, or at nonprofits or other organizations, he emphasizes being involved in civic engagements and diversity.
By sharing his journey through Hollywood and his efforts towards advocacy for education, Plana sends the message of going through tough situations by inspiring others rather than victimizing yourself.
Staben said the featured convocation speakers are chosen based on a certain theme. Similar to last year”s speaker, Lord of the Rings star Sean Astin, Plana can relate to students and is someone they can strive to be like in the future, he said.
Convocation is meant to get the incoming class of new students thinking about their purpose at UI and inspire them to set high standards for themselves, Staben said. He said convocation is about transitions and beginnings, not to mention sending a strong message to new students about where they are now and what they can do later in their lives.
“I want them to leave convocation saying “I”m in a new and in some sense a hallowed place where education is honored, and I will have the opportunity to get a great education,” he said.
While convocation is usually targeted toward UI freshmen, Staben said he encourages all UI community members to attend. He said everyone who goes to convocation may get some inspiration out of it, plus it serves as a means to bring the entire Vandal community together again before the beginning of the fall term.
“I really enjoy the convocation,” he said. “I wish, frankly, that more people from around the university would go. I think they”re usually pretty interesting, kind of fun events.”
Staben said convocation is a highlight of the entire academic year for him because he gets to see the fresh new faces that bring new energy into campus once again. It makes him look forward to about four years into the future, when he”ll get to shake the same students” hands as they walk across the commencement stage, he said.
“Maybe I just like never really graduated or something,” Staben said. “Because I feel like every year you feel this vitality as the campus comes back to life.”
Erin Bamer can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @ErinBamer