Inspiration will be the focus of Fall Convocation at the University of California, Davis, on Wednesday, Sept. 26.

The annual gathering of the campus community will address the theme of "Finding -- and Being -- the Inspiration."

"I suspect we all have stories about nudges that have helped us find our paths," said Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef. "At convocation, we'll reflect some on how we've been inspired -- and how we may be inspiring others, consciously or not."

Five members of the campus community will share personal stories about those who helped shape their lives and how they may be approaching the idea of recognizing the favor and "paying it forward."

They are:

• Alfredo Arredondo, senior anthropology major;
• Mertie Shelby, Sacramento educator and former principal of Father Keith B. Kenny College Prep Elementary School;
• Isao Fujimoto, senior lecturer emeritus of Asian American studies;
• Craig McNamara, alumnus, founder of the Center for Land-Based Learning and president/owner of Sierra Orchards; and
• Debra Cleveland, alumna and Student Affairs Web content coordinator.

UC Regent Odessa Johnson will serve as emcee, and the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra will perform specially selected music.

Convocation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts on campus. Following the program, there will be a reception featuring the Cal Aggie Marching Band-uh! at the Mondavi Center's Corin Courtyard and Sconyers Plaza.

Convocation can also be viewed through a live webcast at the campus's home page, http://www.ucdavis.edu.

Classes for most of the campus begin Thursday, Sept. 27.