Close Office for Convocation & Legacy Plaza Ceremonies for the Class of 2030

University of Montana Western
Convocation & Legacy Plaza Ceremony
Order of Exercises
Thursday, August 13, 2026
3:45 PM — Assemble for Processional
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Faculty: Line up in a single line in Keltz Arena
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Staff: Assemble in a single line in Keltz Arena
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All New Students: Line up in a single line on the sidewalk next to the Wellness Center
4:00 PM — Processional Begins
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Mike Piazzola welcomes the crowd and asks everyone to stand
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Introduction of the Class of 2030
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Student processional enters, accompanied by music and led by Orientation Leaders
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Staff processional follows, led by the Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance
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Music changes to “The Patriot Theme Song”
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Faculty processional begins, led by the Chancellor and Provost
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Provost Eric Wright asks the crowd to remain standing for the National Anthem, performed by Suzanne Forrester
Convocation Ceremony
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Welcome Remarks — Provost Dr. Eric Wright
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Introduction of Native American Drummers
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Introduction of Staff (staff rises)
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Introduction of Faculty (faculty rises)
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Remarks — Student Body President, Ian Plutt
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Remarks — Chancellor, Dr. Estee Aiken
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Concluding Remarks — Provost Dr. Eric Wright
Recessional
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Mike Piazzola asks the crowd to stand
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Recessional music begins; participants exit in the following order:
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Faculty, led by Chancellor Aiken and Provost Wright
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Staff, led by Vice Chancellor
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Faculty and Staff form two parallel lines along the sidewalk to welcome students
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Students, led by Orientation Leaders, Cheerleaders, and Bulldogs
Legacy Plaza Ceremony
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Students, led by Orientation Leaders, enter and fill the area between the Amphitheater
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Remarks from Alumni & Friends and a featured Alumnus
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Montana Western Cheerleaders lead a school cheer and the singing of the School Song
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Orientation Leaders guide students to through Ice Breaker Activities & Parents move to Parent Session in the Lewis & Clark Room