The TCU Concert Chorale began the University Convocation and Founders’ Celebration with “Shout for Joy” Thursday in Ed Landreth Hall Auditorium.Chancellor Victor Boschini said in his address to about 650 students and faculty members that TCU is a thriving and changing campus.

Changes include the $100 million Campus Commons project and the increase of applicants to TCU this year.

TCU had 8,700 applicants for the class of 2010, which is five times the space available at TCU, he said.

Boschini noted several other changes at TCU. It is the first time in TCU’s 134-year existence that it has a chief financial officer to manage the growing endowment.

Boschini also said that TCU is distinguished because of its friendly and residential community.

Professors shape students into value-oriented individuals who think for themselves, which is important since TCU is a religiously-affiliated school, he said.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Don Mills said TCU is an important institution in Fort Worth and across the country because it has been around for 134 years.

“If you think about it, the country is about 230 years old,” Mills said. “TCU has existed for half of that time. TCU has deep traditions and deep roots if something has existed that long.”

In addition to the chancellor’s address, the Wassenich Award, which is presented to a staff or faculty member who has been a mentor to students, was given to Carrie Zimmerman, assistant dean of student development services.

Zimmerman was nominated by 75 alumni and students and received a $2,500 prize.

Provost Nowell Donovan announced the recipients of the school and college awards, which recognizes a faculty member from each department. The recipients are chosen by their colleagues.

The last award presented by Boschini was The Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar, which recognizes faculty members chosen by Boschini who are extraordinary in teaching and scholarship.

The recipients for this award were Stanley Block, professor of finance, and Phil Hartman, professor of biology.

“This is a capstone of my career,” Block said, adding that he merely educates students, and his pride is in his students.

Hartman said he agreed that the reward comes from teaching.

“I got the best job I can actually do,” Hartman said.

Convocation ended with students and faculty singing TCU’s alma mater.

Many of the students and faculty walked together to the Founders’ Celebration on the lawn by the Clark Brothers statue for a reception that included food and drinks.