Opening Convocation

All students, faculty and staff come together to officially open the 2017-18 academic year. Following remarks from Provost Beth Schwartz, President Robert Huntington and our keynote speaker, alumnus Dr. Michael Weisend, all new students will receive their 'H' pin and the ceremony will close with the singing of the Alma Mater, Sweet Alma Home.

Our featured speaker for Opening Convocation 2017 will be distinguished alumnus and renowned neuroscientist Dr. Michael Weisend, ’87, who is recognized nationally for his expertise in the neurophysiology of learning, cognition and memory. Currently, he is a senior scientist with Rio Grande Neurosciences, a company that develops therapies to treat neurological conditions. In 2013, Dr. Weisend joined the Wright State University Research Institute in Dayton as a senior research scientist.

Throughout his career, he has authored more than 50 scientific publications and has received grants and research contracts from the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the National Institutes of Health, among others. News outlets such as News Week, Business Week, The Chronicle of Higher Education and Scientific American have sought his expertise.

Dr. Weisend earned his master’s and doctorate in behavioral neuroscience at the University of New Mexico. He previously was an assistant professor of translational neuroscience at The MIND Research Network in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

You can check out Dr. Weisend in this TEDTalk, “Rewiring Your Brain.”