The Richmond Higher Education Institutions (RHEI), which is comprised of Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing, Southside College of Health Sciences and St. Mary’s Hospital School of Medical Imaging, held their inaugural convocation on Monday, August 5 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. For the first time, associates from all three institutions gathered for this important event, which is a traditional ceremony in higher education designed to launch and celebrate a new academic year. 

Dr. Melanie Green, vice president of RHEI, reflected on the convocation theme, “Stronger Together.” The three RHEI institutions began their shared journey in 2021. Two and a half years later, through a collaboration of resources and technologies, the RHEI shared services model aims to ensure students receive the best education in their selected career paths as well as the support they need to succeed in reaching their goals. 

The convocation agenda focused on the history and mission of Bon Secours and the instrumental purpose and roles of all associates, illustrated through a video showcasing students, faculty and staff describing what “Stronger Together” means to them. In addition, participants engaged in exercises focused on identifying individual strengths and how these strengths and our common calling as a Ministry unite our campus communities. Stronger Together served as a reminder of how RHEI members come together to unite, reaffirm and celebrate their shared purpose.

This story was also featured in Friday Feels.