Shepherd University welcomed students to the spring semester January 11 in the Erma Ora Byrd Hall auditorium during the Shepherd Beginnings: A Community Convocation. Speakers were Dr. Scott Beard, provost; Danielle Stephenson, president, Student Government Association; and Dr. Jonathan Gilkerson, assistant professor of biology and Outstanding Teacher 2018. The Shepherd Brass Quintet provided musical entertainment for the convocation and Dr. Rob Tudor, chair, Department of Music, led students, faculty, and staff in a rendition of Shepherd’s Alma Mater. Convocation is a special campus tradition. It provides a moment to pause before the start of the semester and to welcome new students.