Ferrari focuses Fall Convocation address on this year’s plans
Chancellor Michael Ferrari will outline his goals on issues ranging from the revision of the core curriculum to the completion of campus building projects. Students will be dismissed from 11 a.m. classes for the ceremony.
By Antoinette Vega
Staff Reporter

Chancellor Michael Ferrari said he will highlight a limited set of goals in his last year at TCU to the 1,250 students, faculty and staff expected to fill the Ed Landreth Hall Auditorium during Thursday afternoon’s Fall Convocation.

Although he would not reveal details about his speech, he said discussion topics will include the revision of the core curriculum, the budget, the completion of building projects, and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools re-accreditation.

“In the past we have looked out into the future, but now we will focus primarily on the present,” Ferrari said.

Ronald Burns, an assistant professor of criminal justice, said he wants to hear about the goals on Ferrari’s mind and what he envisions for the future.

“I want to hear about it all,” Burns said. “I like hearing about what we’ve achieved and accomplished, but also what the expectations are for this year and for the next fifteen or twenty.”

Ferrari said he is confident that all current goals can be completed or carried on next year after a new chancellor is chosen.

Ferrari will also announce the recipients of the Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Teaching and the Wassenich Award for Mentoring in the TCU Community.

Every college and school nominates a faculty member for excellent teaching to receive the prestigious $20,000 cash award, Ferrari said.

All nominations and alumni recommendation letters are reviewed by a council of deans before Ferrari makes the final decision.

The Wassenich Award for Mentoring in the TCU Community is given to a person who has been an exemplary mentor to a student or member of the faculty or staff. The recipient is chosen among a narrow number of nominees and receives a $2,500 cash award.

Fall Convocation will feature performances by the Concert Chorale and Richard Estes, an associate professor of music. A reception with refreshments and entertainment by the TCU Jazz Combo will follow the program on the lawn next to Ed Landreth Hall.