By Dave Maley
Peggy R. Williams welcomed the freshman class to campus -- and they in turn welcomed the freshman president -- at Ithaca College's opening Convocation ceremony on August 25. Williams told the incoming students that both she and they have a lot to learn.
"I, too, am new, and we begin our life at Ithaca College together. Because of that, I will always feel a special connection with you. I arrived here about six weeks ago. I am beginning to find my way around and getting to know the many wonderful people who make up this fine institution. Feel free to ask me directions in the upcoming weeks-and I will do likewise with you."
Williams reminded the class of 2001 of something else she shares with it: a rigorous screening and selection process that gave both of them many opportunities to get a good look at the College and what it has to offer.
"I have a very clear sense of what impressed me during the search process, and what I considered important about the College, in making my decision to accept the offer of appointment. I imagine that we came here for many of the same reasons:
- The wonderful diversity and outstanding reputation of the academic programs.
- The quality and dedication of a very accomplished faculty.
- The strong commitment, pride, and expertise of the staff and their very positive attitude toward students.
- The lively, engaging, and engaged student body.
- And the setting in which all these factors come together. The campus itself and the larger Ithaca community are places filled with activity and opportunity."
Williams said these qualities will be essential during the students' years here and will make their experience an empowering and enduring one. She urged them not to forget about the past, however, in thinking about the future. "This is a time to build on who you are, what you know you can do, what interests you; and to work on those areas of weakness or developing interest as you dream about your future and keep your options open as much as you dare."As for specific advice, Williams noted that studies have shown that the students who benefit most from their college experience are those who have taken in the full range of what college has to offer, both inside and outside the classroom.
"Pursue a new activity, be it theater, cross-country running, learning to play a musical instrument-even though you are not enrolled in the music school. Assume a leadership role in campus life, especially if you have never done so before. Run for student government, become an officer in a student club. Explore academic disciplines which appeal to you but which you have never explored, no matter how certain you are of what you intend to study . . . Use the opportunities here at Ithaca to expand your worldview and your understanding and appreciation of other cultures . . . Consider including in your college experience some aspect of service to others."Also delivering Convocation remarks were Herman E. Muller Jr. '51, chairman of the board of trustees, and Catherine S. Henry '98, president of the Student Government Association.
Muller welcomed the class by pointing out the high degree of both quality and diversity among its members. "You represent 38 states, 37 foreign countries, and 951 high schools. Seven members of the class are national merit finalists and 72 members were either valedictorian or salutatorian of their high school class. Twelve of our transfer students were members of Phi Theta Kappa. It is also interesting to note that 20 different languages are spoken by the members of the class of 2001. I hope you will share your ideas, experiences, and perspectives, so that we may learn from you as you learn from us."Henry, a corporate communication major, challenged the freshmen to answer the question, "Why are you here?" She then proceeded to answer, from her perspective as a senior, a few of the questions she suspected each of the incoming students might have about the days ahead. Like Williams, Henry also spoke of the sense of community at the College, and urged her audience to be curious, to seek out information, and to use the College's many resources.
"Look around you," Henry concluded. "Everyone here has a story to share. You can learn from my story and I can learn from yours. Together we can both grow. Take the time to learn from one another. Always look ahead. Your four years here will go quickly-very quickly. Keep focused. Your education is what you make of it. Find yourself. Decide for yourself. Think for yourself. Push yourself. Become a person that you can be proud of being."
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