King Hall Shines in UC Davis 2016 Fall Convocation
King Hall played a prominent role in the UC Davis 2016 Fall Convocation, as Chief Justice of California Tani Cantil-Sakauye ’84 delivered the keynote address and Dean Kevin R. Johnson acted as master of ceremonies. The event, held September 20 in the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, included remarks from Interim Chancellor Ralph J. Hexter, as well as video presentations and performances by UC Davis undergraduates Valentin Sierra, Takarra Johnson, Denisha Bland, Hannah Yan, Marilyn Swan, and the UC Davis Chamber Chorus.
“Our theme this year, and it’s one appropriate to the times, is ‘Inspiring Dialogue and Community,’” Dean Johnson said in his welcoming remarks. “Today’s convocation is the beginning of a year-long exercise in exploring dialogue and community. Discussion groups, workshops, and areas where we can come together and discuss difficult issues as a campus community will be offered on campus throughout the year. We invite you to take part and to explore how we might better address our differences in an environment of trust, respect, and understanding.”
Following an introduction from Dean Johnson, Interim Chancellor Hexter said he could not recall a period in his lifetime in which political discourse was more polarized. “In these contentious times, it is more than ever crucial that we improve our capacity to conduct debates and dialogue … one that fearlessly pursues truth by critically engaging with the broadest range of ideas,” Hexter said. (The full text of his remarks can be viewed here.)
As keynote speaker, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, who received both her undergraduate and law degrees from UC Davis, echoed this theme. She spoke about her personal experiences as a student and how they prepared her to be a lawyer and to thrive in “a profession of conflict.”
“Every day, I sit down with my colleagues on the California Supreme Court to discuss the most important, divisive legal issues of the day, and every day I learn from them,” the Chief Justice said. “I may not agree, but I learn how they think, and I learn the important values that they represent through their experiences, and it grows me.”
Cantil-Sakauye said that in learning to engage in respectful dialogue, students will acquire a valuable life skill. “These skills you’ll develop here at Davis in this environment will serve you well in all of the challenges and conflicts you will face every day in your life,” she said.