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Byrd ’21 Serves as International Convocation and ShenCommunity Guest Speaker

Ashayla Byrd ’21 (Bachelor of Arts in Dance, Bachelor of Arts in English) returned to Shenandoah on Wednesday, Nov. 15, to deliver a keynote speech at Shenandoah University’s 33rd International Convocation. She was also awarded a resolution of appreciation, along with several others, during the event. Byrd also participated in an interview as part of ShenCommunity during her visit, a course that serves all conservatory first- and second-year students.

This year’s International Convocation featured musical performances, awards and recognition, and a keynote speech from Byrd. The destinations for the 2024 Global Citizenship Project were announced to conclude the event. This year’s 50 GCP participants will travel to one of these five destinations during spring break 2024: American Samoa, Argentina, India, Slovenia and Zambia.

About ShenCommunity

ShenCommunity is a course that engages conservatory students as a community of fellow artists and scholars. Participants explore music, theatre and dance as students, performers, audience members and arts advocates. The class includes the exploration of strategies for student success and well-being. Its purpose is to foster a sense of shared culture among the conservatory’s undergraduate students through learning more about the arts and the way arts study affects outlooks and lives.

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