Opening Convocation
September 18, 2020 Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Processional March from Scipio . . . . . . . . G. F. Handel (1685–1759) “America” . . . . . . . . . . . Samuel F. Smith (1808–1895)
Invocation Miller A. Bugliari ’52 . . . . . . . Senior Faculty Member
Remarks and Affirmation of the Honor Code Nolan Baynes II ’21 . . . . . . . . Student Body President Meghan Durkin ’21 . . . . . . . . . Honor Board Chairperson
Remarks Jeffrey N. Edwards ’78 . . . . . . . . Chair, Board of Trustees Matt Levinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head of School
“Old John Pingry” Recessional “Trumpet Tune” . . . . . . . . Henry Purcell (1659–1695) “Trumpet Voluntary” . . . Jeremiah Clarke (1670–1707)
Lyrics for “Old John Pingry” Sturdy scion of New England, Old John Pingry we hail; He came down to Jersey armed with resolve That knowledge should prevail. In his clerical collar and his long frock coat, With an aura of dignity and right, He founded a school whose fame will endure For whose glory we all shall fight. Chorus: Oh, ring the bell for old John Pingry, Shout his name as never before. Godly man of faith triumphant, Honor him for evermore. Mighty man of strength and wisdom, Old John Pingry we hail; He taught from the Bible, guidebook of old, That rev’rence should prevail. With deliberate manner and commanding air He imparted his knowledge and his name, And now Pingrians praise gladly again The headmaster* of song and fame. Chorus
Please rise when the academic procession enters and leaves. We kindly request no singing during today’s event. Humming is permitted. *Pingry used the title “Headmaster” until July 2019, when it was replaced with the more inclusive “Head of School” that has become common among independent schools.
Convocation Convocation began in 1987 to mark the beginning of the school year. The Honor Code ceremony was added in 2007.
Academic Gowns Academic gowns represent a tradition that has come down to us from the universities of the Middle Ages. They were once a common form of clothing and were later retained by the clergy when the laity adopted more modern dress. The early European universities were founded by the Church; the students, being clerics, wore gowns and caps at all times. The usual color for gowns in America is black, though masters and doctors may wear distinctive apparel designed by their institutions. The hoods are lined with the college colors and trimmed with the color appropriate to the degree: light blue, education; dark blue, philosophy; brown, fine arts; purple, law; pink, music; scarlet, divinity; white, arts; gold-yellow, science; tan, business administration.
Procession Today’s academic procession has been modified to promote the health and safety of the participants and attendees. Leading the procession are the Head of School followed by the Chair of the Board of Trustees. Following them are the Senior Faculty Member and the Magistri—faculty members who have taught at Pingry for at least 25 years. The procession enters and leaves in the presence of the student body, symbolizing their leadership in the Pingry community.