VALPARAISO | On a brilliant, late summer morning, Valparaiso University's new president entered the Chapel of the Resurrection at the rear of a long procession of faculty decked in robes of black, red, purple and blue, with academic hoods of every hue.

"You and I have been called here," Mark Heckler, the university's 18th president, told hundreds of students, faculty and staff gathered for the school's opening convocation Tuesday. "We begin. We begin again."

The word "convocation," he said, meant being called together. And within that word was "vocation," which helped define the purpose for the calling.

"Vocation" involved feeling called to do something in the world, having the discernment to use God-given talents well and accepting a call to duty, he said. If God calls you to duty, Heckler told the audience, you can either roll up your sleeves or allow your fears and inadequacies to get the best of you.

Heckler cited the challenge of Russian writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn, who died earlier this month, to create a second, improved Renaissance that unites both heart and mind, body and soul.

Telling the faculty they were engaged in "transformational" work carrying great responsibilities, Heckler challenged them to make learning opportunities meaningful, rigorous, challenging and of the highest quality. And he urged them to do it with joy, laughter and gratitude.

The university also recognized faculty with special awards during the convocation.

Liane Joshua, student body president, encouraged her peers to vote in the upcoming presidential election and dispel the notion that college students are disengaged. She advised those who need them to request absentee ballots now.

"Get educated and let your voice be heard," she said.

Joshua also urged students to take advantage of the spiritual, academic and fun elements of VU undergraduate years.

"Embrace the college lifestyle," she said. "It only happens once."

Sandra McGuigan, director of career guidance at the university, thanked staff workers and encouraged them to enjoy the coming year that will see Heckler's inauguration, dedication of the new union and celebration of the university's 150th anniversary.