Simpson officially opens the new academic year with its annual All-College Convocation, held Aug. 28 at Smith Chapel. The event includes an opening invocation from the Rev. Mara Bailey, the college chaplain; musical performance from the Simpson College Choir; greetings and introductions from Academic Dean Cheryl Jacobsen and President Jay Simmons; and the convocation address by Judy Walden, professor of history and winner of the 2019 Distinguished Teaching Award at Simpson.