The Opening Convocation convenes the Rhodes community for its 163rd academic year. The event begins with Rhodes Student Government President Salar Rafieetary and Bagpiper Bruce Erskine leading the Class of 2015 from Frazier Jelke on campus to the Bryan Campus Life Center where they will be joined by faculty, platform guests, and the president in an academic procession.

Dr. Bernadette McNary-Zak, associate professor of religious studies and 2011 recipient of the Clarence Day Award for Outstanding Teaching, will address the entering class.

Also at the Opening Convocation, Dr. Chuck Brady, president and chief executive officer of the Memphis Zoo, will receive the college's Distinguished Service Medal, and Dr. Michael Drompp, dean of the faculty and vice president for academic affairs, will present the Jameson M. Jones Award for Outstanding Faculty Service.