It's nearly that time of year again -- time to gather as a campus family at the annual Fall Convocation. But this year's gathering will be especially significant because it will launch our Centennial year.

"The Centennial Convocation: A Century of Doing What Matters" will be held Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. in Jackson Hall of the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.

"We'll celebrate UC Davis' 100-year dedication to doing what truly matters," said Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef. "We'll salute all of our family members who give in so many ways to make people's lives better, and we'll invite everyone to participate in a Centennial Year of Service in ways they find personally meaningful."

The chancellor will be joined at the podium by five members of our campus family who'll share brief personal stories about what it is they do that "matters" and makes a difference in the lives of others. They are: Gabriella Wong, senior sociology/law and society major and a 2008-09 Strauss Scholar; Marshall McKay, Tribal Chair Council of the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians and UC Davis Foundation Board Trustee; Julia Ann Easley, senior public information representative in the UC Davis News Service and a Red Cross disaster volunteer; Dr. John Madigan, professor of veterinary medicine and head of the UC Davis Veterinary Emergency Response Team; and Dr. Condessa Curley, School of Medicine alumna and founder of Project Africa Global.

Enrique Lavernia, dean of the College of Engineering and provost-designate, will serve as welcomer and emcee, and the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra will perform specially selected music.

Right after the program, a reception featuring the Cal Aggie Marching Band-uh will be held at the Mondavi Center's Corin Courtyard and Sconyers Plaza for everyone in attendance.

"I hope everyone will join us for this annual tradition," Vanderhoef said. "It's the perfect way to start the year!"

Those unable to participate in person can view a live Webcast at the campus's home page, http://www.ucdavis.edu.