For the second time in its history, the Texas A&M Health Science Center hosted an academic convocation, with a welcome by George Bush, 41st President of the United States, and a keynote address by Drayton McLane Jr., chairman of McLane Group, L.P. and CEO and chairman of the Houston Astros.

The Jan. 24 event in the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center at the Bush Library Complex celebrated a new vision and declared the Health Science Center’s commitment to providing quality programs and services throughout Texas. The HSC also affirmed its dedication to meeting the health-related needs of Texans.

“Today is about celebrating our accomplishments as a university and publicly declaring our commitment to providing compassionate care, engaging in superior science and offering exceptional education programs for health professionals throughout their career,” said Nancy W. Dickey, M.D., president of the Health Science Center and vice chancellor for Health Affairs for the Texas A&M University System.

With that vision, President Bush said the Texas A&M HSC is poised for greatness.

“On every front – research, education and healthcare delivery – I believe this Health Science Center is uniquely positioned to make a truly positive and long-lasting contribution,” Bush said.

McLane emphasized the importance of servant leadership in all organizations and disciplines, noting, “The real role of a leader is to find the future.”

“A true leader is a person who takes other people to a place they wouldn’t have gone by themselves,” he continued, quoting an unknown source.

Throughout the convocation, Dr. Dickey awarded six Presidential Awards for Excellence to individuals or groups who personified servant leadership in the areas of community outreach, healthcare services and delivery, research, institutional enhancement, education and mentorship, and administrative support. She also acknowledged multiple faculty and research awards.

In academia, “convocation” is a ceremonial assembly of the members of a college or university. Traditionally, it celebrates a special event, such as the beginning of the academic year or the anniversary of an institution.

The Health Science Center conducted a convocation celebrating the inauguration of Dr. Dickey in 2002 and another in 2006.

The Texas A&M Health Science Center provides the state with health education, outreach and research. Its seven components located in communities throughout Texas are the Baylor College of Dentistry, the College of Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the Institute of Biosciences and Technology, and the School of Rural Public Health.