Slideshow: 2015 Campus Kick-Off and some Amazing Stories from Convocation

This year, a new tradition joined the annual Campus Kick-Off. An afternoon joint Convocation brought students, faculty and staff together in the Wendy Williamson Auditorium to welcome them to a new year and to hear the chancellor's specific charge to all going forward. View the slideshow here.

Chancellor Tom Case's remarks came at the very end of a lively and often moving program. Emceed by USUAA leaders Jonathon Taylor and Matt Ostrander, the program launched with a blessing from Lee Stephan, president of the Native Village of Eklutna. Alumni hip-hop performers from the Underground Dance Company fired up the audience with some spectacular energy and dance moves.

Three students, Ariane Audett, Alice Choi and Ricardo Castillo, took the stage in the spirit of Alaska's homegrown "Arctic Entries" style of storytelling. Each had an amazing story about their time at UAA. If you missed their tales, suffice to say they brought the Wendy audience to its feet in a compassionate affirmation of the

perseverance and determination to get their education that they revealed in their stories. Listen to their stories within the Convocation podcast, beginning at 26 minutes and 15 seconds.

An obviously moved chancellor took the stage at 51 minutes and 50 seconds: "I hope you are as energized as I am by everything I have heard here this afternoon. Something I have known for a lifetime is-adversity happens. The measure of a person is how you respond to it. And if you notice another person having challenges, how you help them."

He charged staff and faculty to "make a difference in the lives of our students. That's the reason we are here." To students, "My charge is, in the place that you are, make a difference for somebody as often as you can. Stay industrious. Stay inquisitive. Stay adventurous. Make this year count. I am confident you will."

After Convocation, the Kick-Off festival once again took over Cuddy Quad, followed by a performance by comedian TJ Miller, a movie screening and College Night at Fred Meyer.