Second-Annual CHDCM Convocation Celebrates "Victories and Accolades"

The College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM) brought students, faculty, administrators and campus partners together at Bethany Hall to officially welcome its newest members on September 19.

The ceremony presented an opportunity to revisit the College’s several achievements since its establishment in August 2023 while also looking forward to the possibilities ahead.

Associate Dean Omayra Arocho, Ph.D. led the call to order and the National Anthem was sung by freshman nursing major, Adriana Ceciliano, accompanied by Associate Professor Dena Levine, D.M.A.

Monsignor Richard Liddy, Ph.D., professor of religious studies, led the invocation, praying everyone learns to use media to enrich their lives as well as the lives of others.

CHDCM Founding Dean Bryan Crable, Ph.D. said in his welcome speech that it was “energizing” to see so many faces together because community is what makes Seton Hall a special place, adding that it has been a personal highlight for him.

“This is a celebration,” Crable said, waving a blue and white pompom. “Last year we celebrated a number of milestones, whether that was 25 years of online counseling, 75 years of communication and theatre, 100 years of the Setonian and secondary education here on campus.”

“Pirates pull together, right?” he added.

Afterward, he introduced the premiere of a new video titled “CHDCM: Student Produced Work” showcasing clips from the plethora of quality media content produced by students inside and outside of the classroom from the past year.

Crable said Seton Hall members could look forward to more events from the College, including two master classes taught by three-time National Sportswriter of the Year, Peter King, and the launch of the Center for Sports Media’s new mission, “Pirates in the Field,” where select students will be given the chance to cover major sporting events like the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four and Super Bowl LIX.

Crable then invited the Seton Hall Pirate to the front to join him in honoring the chair, students, faculty and alumni of the departments within the College, each of which received applause.

“I am honored to be the Dean of this academic community,” Crable said in his final words. “You are why I am so glad to be here, and I am so excited about the future of CHDCM next year and years to come.”

Afterward, Arocho returned to give closing remarks and reintroduced Ceciliano and Levine to perform the Alma Mater.

Once the official program concluded, attendees were encouraged to gather for lunch and Divine Coffee in the neighboring rooms before stopping by the Arts Center (Carriage House) parking lot to grab free desserts from two Scream Trucks and win prizes at the WSOU tent.

Senior Director of Communication and Enrollment Management Brittany Ricci, M.A., “Events like these give us permission to take time to slow down and remember why we work so hard.”

She added she hoped students and faculty alike could recognize the value of the CHDCM community where all can feel proud to be part of a group worth celebrating.

Kendall Waters, a freshman visual and sound media major, said she would like more opportunities for those passionate about film.

Christine Franco, also a freshman visual and sound media major echoed this desire and said she wanted to find a way to give back to the College.

Lakyn Austin, a freshman journalism major said the lunch reception offered a great chance to converse with others with similar interests.

Dean Arocho said finding “a creative way” to highlight CHDCM achievements during the lunch reception of future convocations would be something she would like to implement.

“It was amazing to witness the pride and energy of our College community,” Dean Arocho said. “I hope that our undergraduate and graduate students walk away proud of their programs and departments, enthusiastic about the year ahead, and inspired to become more involved following interactions with peers, faculty and administrators across the College.”

Categories: Campus Life