It is that time of year again — time to gather as a campus family at the annual Fall Convocation.

This year's event will be held Wednesday, Sept. 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.

Its theme is "Finding — and Being — the Inspira-tion."

"I suspect we all have stories about nudges that have helped us find our paths," said Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef. "At convocation, we'll reflect some on how we've been inspired — and how we may be inspiring others, consciously or not."

The chancellor will be joined at the podium by five members of our campus family who will share brief personal stories about those who helped shape their lives and how they may be approaching the idea of recognizing the favor and "paying it forward." They are: Alfredo Arredondo, senior anthropology major; Mertie Shelby, Sacramento educator and former principal of Father Keith B. Kenny College Prep Elementary School; Isao Fujimoto, senior lecturer emeritus of Asian American Studies; Craig McNamara, alumnus, founder of the Center for Land-Based Learning and president/owner of Sierra Orchards; and Debra Cleveland, Student Affairs Web content coordinator.

UC Regent Odessa Johnson 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 will be held at the Mondavi Center's Corin Courtyard and Sconyers Plaza for everyone in attendance.

"Please join us for this year-launching tradition," Vanderhoef said. "In fact, you might think about bringing along someone who's inspired you, in big ways or small. They might appreciate knowing they've had a positive impact."