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President Andre Stephens addresses students at the 2025 Convocation

President Stephens Welcomes New Ƶֱ Students with “Joyous Anticipation”

August 29, 2025

By Michael Hammond

Ƶֱ President André Stephens, Ph.D., addressed students, faculty and staff August 27, 2025, at the Fall Convocation in the Special Events Center on Ƶֱ’s main campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno. Stephens reminded incoming students of the transformational journey ahead of them. He likened convocation and commencement to “bookends” of their academic experience, moments when faculty surround students in support at both the beginning and the end of their time at Ƶֱ. “The education you’ll receive here is more than just academic,” Stephens said. “It is holistic, and it is transformational.” He concluded his remarks with a challenge and a charge, saying, “Let us step into this year with joyful anticipation, dwelling in God’s word, strengthened in community and confident in his faithfulness.” (Ƶֱ photo by Bradley Kennedy)

Photo of Michael Hammond

Michael Hammond

Director of Content Strategy and Media Relations

Michael Hammond is the director of content strategy and media relations at Ƶֱ. Prior to working at Ƶֱ, he had a 19 year long career in church ministry. Michael got engaged to his high school sweetheart atop a castle in Germany, has three kids (whose names also all start with an M) and is on a lifelong quest to develop an encyclopedic knowledge of The Office.

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