About University Welcome and Fall Convocation
The Elaine G. Hadden Distinguished Author presented in partnership with Think Forum
Starting in Fall 2025, we will celebrate the start of the academic year with a single event that welcomes our newest students and their families. The combined University Welcome and Fall Convocation will feature remarks by members of university leadership, student leaders, as well as a keynote address by the Elaine G. Hadden Distinguished Visiting Author. The event is Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center at 4 p.m.
University’s Common Reading
As part of the common reading program, the author of the common reading book appears as the Elaine G. Hadden Distinguished Visiting Author during Fall Convocation—the official opening event of the new academic year. The event is open to the entire campus community and also to the public.
Our 2025 speaker will be author Ashley Shew, associate professor of Science, Technology, and Society at Virginia Tech, where she works in philosophy of technology at its intersections with emerging technologies, animal studies, and disability studies. Shew's current research focuses on the representation of disability in technological narrative and imagination. Her nonfiction book, Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement (2023), was chosen as Case Western Reserve University's 2025 common reading book. Each year since 2002, the university’s common reading has served as a basis for programs and discussions for first-year students.
Learn More about Ashley Shew: Research Guide Coming Soon!
If you have any questions regarding this event email thinkforum@case.edu