Ann Abbott, Director of Undergraduate Studies at the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, was selected to give the convocation speech at the New Student Convocation for all incoming freshmen in the State Farm Center in August.  The convocation aims to welcome new students to the University of Illinois to mark the official beginning of the students' entry into the university community. The President of the University, Provost, Deans and faculty members attend this event as well. As part of the ceremony, the university invites a speaker to address the new class.

Ann did an outstanding job today delivering a very powerful message to our new incoming students. Her speech touched upon all the core missions of our university as well as our department and sent a strong message about the importance of understanding diversity in all its facets, valuing languages, and taking advantage of the learning opportunities our university has to offer.