Class of 2004 Welcomed at Convocation Ceremony

Members of the incoming class joined with trustees, faculty, and staff in Ben Light Gymnasium on Monday, August 28, as the annual Convocation ceremony officially kicked off the new academic year.

In his remarks to the gathering, board of trustees chairman Herman E. Muller Jr. '51 pointed out the many talents and experiences embodied by the newest students.

"You represent 40 states and territories, 31 countries, and over 1,050 high schools and 110 two-year and four-year colleges. Eighteen members of the class are National Merit finalists and 41 students were either valedictorian or salutatorian of their high school classes. Thirteen of our transfer students are members of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, 31 of you are children of alumni, and 68 of you are siblings of Ithaca students."

Daniel Tillapaugh '01, president of the Student Government Association, told the audience about his own experiences as a first-year student. He said that his most challenging task was breaking out of his comfort zone, that it was scary to meet new people and try new things.

"But it is something that I now look back on realizing its importance," he noted. "I urge you also to be the unique individual that you are. No one else in this room is exactly like you. Each of you brings to this campus a characteristic or trait that is not easily duplicated. Even though we are different from each other, we can all connect on some level. Regardless of who we are and where we come from, it's important that we remember that we are all bound by humanity."

In her welcoming address, President Peggy R. Williams shared with students the College's new vision statement, which was developed as part of the ongoing strategic planning process: "Ithaca College strives to become the standard of excellence for residential comprehensive colleges, fostering intellect, creativity, and character in an active, student-centered learning community."

Williams said that while new technology provides the College with new modes of delivering education, the vision statement reaffirms the institution's commitment to doing what it does best. "Although we can and certainly will use and benefit from the changes available in technology and distance learning, our future will continue to emphasize the personal educational experience that is available here on South Hill in Ithaca, New York: in our classrooms, labs, offices, residence halls, international study centers and exchange opportunities, guest lectures, special campus events, leadership opportunities available in student or residential government, clubs and organizations, and community service, and, most specifically and importantly, from the personal relationships and interactions among us - among you and faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and friends."

President Williams at the IC Community Picnic

Williams urged students not to forget, however, about their civic responsibilities to the larger community. "You have a special opportunity this year. With the upcoming elections this fall - the first time for most of you to participate in a presidential election - you join the rest of us, with a responsibility to be informed citizens and to cast your votes. Statistics from a national study on student characteristics - conducted for the past 30 years - indicate that the traditional college-age voting population has shown a growing apathy toward the political process in the past, and that that apathy reached an all-time high last year. You have the opportunity and the responsibility to change these statistics."

Williams pointed out that such apathy is not the case, however, in another realm of student life, as the same national study shows a steadily increasing level of student engagement in service. She encouraged the members of the class of 2004 to do what they can to make a positive difference in their new home community.

Photos by Cascadilla Photography