The Hartford Seminary community came together on Thursday, Aug. 30, to welcome new President Joel N. Lohr and to mark the beginning of the institution’s 185th year.

Ph.D. student Okan Dogan opened Convocation with the Call to Prayer, followed by an Opening Dialogue led by Student Services Coordinator Liza Arulampalam and a Welcome address from Interim Academic Dean David D. Grafton.

Visiting Professors Erica Dollhopf and Allison Norton performed an original song written for the occasion.

Jennifer Sanborn of the Admissions Office led a responsive reading called “Who Is My Neighbor?” based on Luke 10:15-37. Professor Deena Grant read from the Torah, and Okan Dogan read from the Holy Qur’an.

President Joel N. Lohr gave a homily centering on the Biblical message that God makes a covenant with each new generation. He welcomed new students and greeted returning students, faculty, staff, alums, Trustees, Corporators, and friends of the Seminary.

Professor Benjamin Watts delivered the Benediction.

The full Convocation can be viewed here: