College of Human Development, Culture, and Media Starts the Academic Year With Third-Annual Convocation and Celebration

On September 9, 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 during its third annual CHDCM Convocation.

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

Associate Dean Omayra Arocho, Ph.D., led the call to order and introduced the National Anthem, which was sung by sophomore, Kiana Afsharnia, accompanied by Diana Malekovala.

Father Nicholas Sertich, S.T.L., director of Campus Ministry, led the invocation, praying everyone who gathered for blessings “to continue hazard setting forward bringing vision to life and the vision to mind, heart, and spirit.”

In his welcome speech, CHDCM Founding Dean Bryan Crable, Ph.D., said 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.

Crable highlighted the accomplishments of the College over the past year. WSOU 89.5 FM was named number one college radio station by the Princeton Review and nominated for its third Marconi award, while SHU TV’s launched its signature program, Campus Nightly. SHU Theatre produced several shows such as Wizard of Oz, Midsummer Night, Peter and the Starcatcher. The Center for Sports Media’s Pirates in the Field, allowed students to cover major events, from the Big East Tournament to the Super Bowl, and the Center also secured an exclusive partnership with ESPN.

Lastly, Crable recognized faculty members for appearing in books, film festival successes, international travel for music performances, creating and hosting speaker series, and being awarded grants for digital equity.

Following the premiere of “CHDCM: Sizzle Reel 2025,” Crable then announced new additions and opportunities such as Center for Sports Media welcoming NBC Sports Senior VP of Olympics and Paralympics Amy Rosenfeld as this year’s professional-in-residence, opportunityies for students to intern at the Winter Olympics, new office location for the Office of Student Success, and the launch of the Hook Communication Lab, which is set to offer cutting edge technology and enhanced support for presentations and interviews starting in October.

The debut of the new CHDCM sticker series was also shared. “We are going to be releasing a new sticker for every major CHDCM event this year. If you collect the entire set, the dean will give you a special prize,” Crable said.

He concluded by saying, “Let’s continue the celebration of our community,” waving a blue and white pom-pom and welcoming the Pirate to the podium. “We are celebrating our people in earnest.”

Closing the ceremony, Arocho returned to the podium to give closing remarks and reintroduced Kiana Afsharnia and Diana Malenkova to perform the Alma Mater.

Once the program concluded, attendees were encouraged to join the lunch reception with Divine Coffee provided in the neighboring rooms before stopping by the Arts Center (Carriage House) parking lot to grab dessert from two Scream Trucks.

Senior Director of Communication and Enrollment Management Brittany Ricci, M.A., shared, “Convocation brings the CHDCM Community together to kick off another academic year and welcome in our newest members.” She emphasized that this event serves as a reminder that every individual has a place within the community and plays a role in helping it thrive.

Students echoed the positive sentiment. Lauren Ryan, a sophomore in Art, Design and Interactive Media, called it “a great way to ring in the start of the academic year,” while first-year student in the Master of Art in Museum Professions, Gabbie Costanzo added, “It was exciting to see so many people come together.” Agatha Rockson, a first-year in the Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management and Policy program said the event was “memorable and symbolic,” highlighting the achievements of various departments and fostering a sense of belonging.

To watch the recorded CHDCM Convocation ceremony, click here.

Categories: Arts and Culture, Campus Life, Faith and Service