Miami University's Convocation set for Friday, Aug. 25

OXFORD -- The mayor of Huntington, West Virginia, will be the featured speaker at Miami University's convocation ceremony on Friday, Aug. 25.

According to a press release, Williams spearheaded revitalization projects in Huntington to combat similar to those highlighted in the book Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by Middletown native J.D. Vance.

Vance documents his life growing up in Middletown and the struggles of the working class in his book, which is required reading for all incoming first-year students.

“We believe Mayor Williams’ address will provide an important bridge between the very personal experiences of J.D. Vance, who was raised in nearby Middletown, and the larger world of possibilities in which we can all participate as friends, neighbors and citizens,” Miami President Greg Crawford wrote in his convocation letter to faculty and staff.

Convocation begins at 9 a.m. at the center of campus, known as the hub, located on the lawn by the university’s seal.

Photo: Stephen Williams, Mayor of Huntington, West Virginia. Provided by Miami University