Hartford Seminary kicked off the 2013-14 academic year with a Convocation centering on the theme “We Have a Dream.” In addition to a welcome from Academic Dean Uriah Kim and an opening prayer from Prof. Shanell Smith, Prof. Miriam Therese Winter asked those gathered to write down a dream on a piece of paper. The dreams were collected in a basket and shared.

President Heidi Hadsell also shared her dreams for Hartford Seminary’s upcoming year and student Asmaou Diallo of Guinea gave a demonstration of rhythmic dancing.

“Dancing is a way for me to be aware of rhythm, not just rhythms from the radio or computer, but inner rhythms,” she said.

Prof. Benjamin Watts gave the closing prayer, and a reception followed to welcome in the new year.