Gov. Phil Bredesen will be the keynote speaker for the FacultyConvocation in the Rose Theatre Friday.
This event is a part of the 90th anniversary celebration at TheUniversity of Memphis following the theme of a "Lifetime ofLearning."
At noon, a Convocation luncheon will take place at The U of MHoliday Inn. Following the luncheon, faculty in full academicregalia will begin a procession from the Ned R. McWherter Librarythat will proceed through the campus to the Rose Theatre.
The Faculty Convocation is an annual tradition here oncampus.
Linda Michael, associate vice-president of marketing andcommunications, said it's an "annual thing where we honorfaculty."
Faculty who are retiring will be honored as well as exceptionalteachers, researchers and advisors.
The procession is a historic European tradition dating to theMiddle Ages. The faculty will display the varied styles and colorsof the robes and regalia of their different alma maters.
"It's quite a colorful event," said Daniel Poje, the academicprograms assessment director and past coordinator for the event."Students who are on campus come out of their buildings towatch."
Poje also explained that this would be a very special yearbecause the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) will be meeting oncampus during the 90th anniversary celebration and many regentswill be in the procession as well.
"It's a gathering to celebrate learning in general, especiallyat the higher education institutions," Poje said. "It's animportant time for faculty to get together as a whole."
Poje said the event is an "upbeat event" where the faculty cancelebrate their accomplishments.
The procession will begin at 1:45 p.m. at the library and theconvocation will begin at 2 p.m. in the Rose Theatre.
