Moscow, Idaho (KMVT-TV) – College marks the start of a journey that begins with the first day of classes and ends with commencement. As part of the celebration to kick off the journey, the University of Idaho and President M. Duane Nellis invite faculty, staff, students and local community members to the 2012 University Convocation on Friday, Aug. 17 at 8:30 a.m., in the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center, north concourse side.

In academia, the word “convocation” refers to a ceremonial assembly of members of a college or university. Traditionally, academic convocations celebrate special events, such as the beginning of the academic year or the anniversary of an institution.

“Our convocation will be an important opportunity for students to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year. We will challenge students to connect their efforts in the classroom to important issues in the world and highlight upcoming events. It will also be a great way to welcome new students and their families to the Vandal Family,” said Bruce Pitman, dean of students.

George P. Bush will give the keynote address. His speech is titled, “As we begin our legacy together.”

George Prescott Bush is the eldest of three children of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. The nephew of the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, and the grandson of the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, he co-founded Pennybacker Capital, which invests in and operates middle market multifamily, retail, office and industrial assets in sustainable growth markets.

“We are honored to bring George P. Bush to Moscow and to Idaho,” said Nellis. “He shares the desire to inspire futures through inclusion and higher education. As the son of both a Mexican migrant worker and political powerhouse family, he recognizes and models the dedication and hard work necessary to achieve tangible change by including youth and minorities in the political process. His leadership and service in this arena contributes to the economic and social development of the nation.”

Bush received his undergraduate degree from Rice University and obtained his juris doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law. He is a member of the Texas Bar Association. After graduating from law school, he clerked for the Hon. Sidney A. Fitzwater, a U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Texas. He later practiced corporate and securities law with Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer and Feld, LLP.

He also served his country as a member of several diplomacy missions. Those missions included Nicaragua for the second peaceful transfer of power in that country, Brazil for Pan-American Games, and Saudi Arabia on a congressional delegation during the “Arab Spring.” Recently, Bush, a U.S. Naval Reserves Intelligence Officer, returned from a mobilization in Afghanistan where he served under the Special Operations Command in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.