Chancellor launches convocation speech contest

University of Wisconsin–Madison Chancellor John D. Wiley invites all current UW–Madison students to write essays on the theme “What did you learn about yourself or others during your freshman year?”

Possible topics include, but are not limited to, experiences related to housing, student organizations, campus climate, the Associated Students of Madison, diversity, academic life, athletics, learning communities or the Wisconsin Union.

The winner will be given the opportunity to deliver the essay to 5,500 new students at the Chancellor’s Convocation on Friday, Sept. 1. As a bookend to commencement, the convocation inaugurates students into the campus community as they begin their studies.

“With 41,000 students, we have a lot of wisdom collected in a very small space,” Wiley says. “I want to know the best things you know about living here. I’m interested in compelling, passionate, funny, moving stories about your experience that we can share with our new students. ”

Student employees and staff members in the Office of New Student Programs will select a group of finalists. Wiley plans to personally select the best essay from among the finalists.

In addition, finalists will have their work posted online for the campus community to view.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 5. To enter, e-mail essays to chancellor@news.wisc.edu. Be sure to include name, year in school, major and hometown. Limit essays to less than 1,000 words.