Western inaugurated the Convocation program in 1993 as part of an overall commitment to offer enriching experiences to students while bringing together the college and community. The Convocation program is sponsored by the MWSU Foundation and is held in honor of R. Dan Boulware, former Western regent.

Past Convocation speakers have included Bill Bradley, James Carville and Mary Matalin, Sam Donaldson, Steve Forbes, David Gergen, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Jeane Kirkpatrick, Jerry Linenger, David McCullough, Dr. Joseph Nye, Dr. Colin Powell, Arthur Schlesinger Jr., Daniel Schorr, Patricia Schroeder, J.C. Watts, and Bob Woodward.