(St. George, UT) - Dixie State College of Utah President Dr. Stephen D. Nadauld extended a formal invitation Wednesday to DSC students, faculty, staff and the community to attend the Fourth-Annual College Convocation on Sunday, August 28, at 7:00PM in the Cox Auditorium on the DSC campus. The convocation is free to attend and refreshments will be served at a reception following the event.

The convocation, a non-denominational event, will feature the inspirational story of DSC alums Tyler and Jennifer Wilkinson, whose personal stories of overcoming tragedy through true love and dedication to each other, will set the pace for DSC students as they begin their academic year. The Wilkinsons, who were high school sweethearts, have shared their stories of triumphs and staying positive in the face of adversity and trials at a number of church, civic and corporate events and meetings around the state and the world.

Tyler Wilkinson, who had committed to play football at Dixie College as a senior all-state football star at Dixie High School in 1991 when an automobile accident left him a paraplegic, is featured in a movie entitled “Tyler, a Real Hero,” released in 1998, and narrated by NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Finance at Southern Utah University and currently serves as a vice president of Soltis Investment Advisors in St. George. The Wilkinsons are the parents of three children.

Joining DSC students, administrators, faculty and staff in attendance will be a number of St. George-area clergy representatives, along with local government leaders, the school’s Board of Trustees and other dignitaries. The program will also include a musical number performed by an ensemble of DSC music majors.

Christina Schultz, DSC Vice President of Advancement said, “We are very pleased to have Tyler and Jennifer Wilkinson as our convocation speakers. Their stories of true love and keeping a positive attitude through trial and adversity will inspire our students as they begin their academic year.”

President Nadauld introduced the tradition of a convocation in 2008, as a way to establish a four-year culture at Dixie and is pleased that the event has become a part of the opening week of classwork on the campus. He said these types of non-denominational gatherings go on at other college campuses throughout the country and have an inspirational flavor to them.

For more information on the convocation, please contact the DSC Public Relations office at (435) 652-7544.