Webber Launches 2024 Academic Year with Convocation Ceremony

Babson Park, FL. (August 16, 2024)- Webber International University celebrated the launch of its 97th academic year with the 2024 Convocation Ceremony. The Convocation brought together faculty, staff, and coaches to reflect on the past academic year’s successes and plan for the 2024-2025 academic year and beyond.
 

 The event included two sessions. The first session focused on the state of the University, state of the Florida campus, and updates from various departments. The second session, named the Strategic Horizons Session, concentrated on the strategic planning process for the next five years. Additionally, this session marked the conclusion of the 2019-2024 strategic plan.

Inspired by the theme for AY 2024-2025, “New Vision for New Realities,” the engaging agenda of activities will provide a roadmap for the institution’s next five years, culminating in its milestone centennial anniversary in 2027.

At this time last year, Dr. Nelson Marquez, the current President/CEO, served as the Institutional Effectiveness Officer. Now, he stands before approximately 125 employees, delivering the State of the University address. Dr. Marquez opened the Convocation by stating, “I became your President/CEO last December 2023 and was officially able to make influential decisions in January 2024.” He continued, “Truth be told, what gives me the strength…is the knowledge that I have you to help me,” as he paints a picture of the challenges that he had to overcome to stabilize the University. Reflecting on the past year, Dr. Marquez attributed the University’s success to its dedicated employees.

He closed his University address with the following quote from Harriet Beecher-Stowe, urging the attendees to strengthen their resolve in facing any new challenges that they may encounter in the new academic year and beyond: “When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you until it seems that you cannot hold on for a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time when the tide will turn.”

Initiatives for the upcoming year include expanding the Webber brand internationally and across the web, promoting workforce development through non-degree certificate programs, and maintaining enrollment stability while continuing preparations for Webber’s centennial in 2027.