Setting the tone for the new academic year, UC Davis has chosen the theme “Inspiring Dialogue and Community” for Fall Convocation, to be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20. It’s for everyone: students, staff, faculty, and UC Davis friends and neighbors.

This year's program will be both traditional and contemporary, interspersed with video and spoken-word performances by students. An outdoor reception will follow.

Ralph J. Hexter, acting chancellor since April and provost and executive vice chancellor since 2011, will usher in the new year; and alumna Tani Cantil-Sakauye ’80 and J.D. ’84, chief justice of the California Supreme Court, will give the keynote.

Here are the spoken-word performers, all of whom participate in Sacramento Area Youth Speaks, or SAYS, founded at UC Davis in 2009:

• Valentin Sierra ’17, majoring in Native American studies
• Takarra Johnson ’19, majoring in African American studies
• Denisha Bland ’18, majoring in communication

Dean Kevin R. Johnson of the School of Law will be the master of ceremonies.

The convocation will be held in Jackson Hall at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. The reception will be on the Vanderhoef Quad across the street.

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