The formal opening of the academic year is celebrated Friday at Opening Convocation. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend.

Guest Speaker: Darryl Kelly, Director of Business Partnerships for the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC)

The opening convocation will wrap up the festivities for BuilderFest 2024 and officially start the academic year. It will also feature the recognition of students included on the Dean’s Honor Roll for the Spring 2024 semester and the announcement of the Scholar of the College.

2024 Opening Convocation Livestream

Darryl Kelly to Speak at Opening Convocation

Darryl Kelly, Director of Business Partnerships for the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC), will be the featured speaker at SC’s annual opening convocation on Friday, Aug. 23, at 11 a.m., in the Richardson Performing Arts Center.  There is no admission charge and the public is invited to attend.

The opening convocation will wrap up the festivities for Builder Fest 2024 and officially start the academic year. It will feature the recognition of students included on the Dean’s Honor Roll for the spring 2024 semester and the announcement of the Scholar of the College.

Kelly is from Newport News, Va., but now calls Wichita home.  He is a graduate of Old Dominion University where he earned a bachelor of science degree in corporate communication and a master’s degree in management from Colorado Technical University.

Kelly is responsible for supporting current and cultivating new corporate and business partners that foster greater value for communities and organizations served by KLC. Before joining KLC he was assistant vice president – project manager with Equity Bank headquartered in Wichita. A proud Air Force veteran, Kelly understands the idea of servant leadership and aims to exemplify it on the job and in the community.

Kelly has received numerous awards and recognition throughout his military and civilian career. In 2020, he was named Wichita Business Journal’s 40 under 40 and received the Diversity & Inclusion award. Additionally, he was honored with the Exceptional Young Leader Award in 2021, presented by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. Kelly serves on multiple boards and committees including the Greater Wichita YMCA Metro board, Wichita Art Museum board, The Gathering committee, and is a proud Rotarian. One of Darryl’s passion projects is supporting efforts to revitalize Wichita’s Historic Dunbar Theatre and surrounding areas. Darryl is a staunch proponent for getting involved and believes that you must be the change that you want to see.