Class of 2006 Welcomed at Convocation Ceremony

President Peggy R. Williams is flanked by provost and vice president for academic affairs Peter Bardaglio (left) and board of trustees chairman William Haines as they prepare for the Convocation procession.

Members of the incoming class joined with trustees, faculty, and staff in Ben Light Gymnasium on Monday, August 26, as the annual Convocation ceremony officially kicked off the new academic year. Board of trustees chairman William Haines welcomed the new students, noting that they represented 42 states and territories, and 31 countries. Haines also praised the incoming freshmen for their academic achievements; for example, there are 7 national merit finalists and 43 students who were either valedictorians or salutatorians of their high school classes.

"During your time with us, you will have the opportunity to interact with expert faculty and dedicated staff, as well as form friendships that will last a lifetime," Haines said. "I encourage you to share your talents, ideas, and perspectives, and certainly your questions, for in a quality academic environment such as this, we learn from one another."

Haines urged the class of 2006 to seek knowledge and explore new experiences both inside and outside the classroom, and to take advantage of the opportunities Ithaca has to offer.

Lisa Palmero ’03 (left), president of the Student Government Association, echoed those sentiments. "You may get sick of hearing this, but really do take advantage of Ithaca College’s resources," she said. "Check out the Student Activities Center and see what organization you might want to join. Or better yet, become well acquainted with one of your professors or your resident assistant down the hall. This place has a lot to offer, so get comfortable because it will be your home for the next four years."

Before college can start to feel like home, though, there has to be an adjustment period.

"I was accustomed to knowing everyone and everything because I graduated with a class of 120 from a small high school in Connecticut," Palmero said. "Now, I was miles away from the high school I called home and from the friends I called family. It was my turn to play new kid on the block. But it was reassuring to meet other first-year students who felt exactly the same way I did. . . . You have so much ahead of you, and I hope you surprise yourselves with the dreams you have and the things you do here."

In her Convocation address, President Peggy R. Williams told the new students that the College is a place where they can strengthen their intellectual capacities as well as grow personally. "As you look to further develop your gifts and promise, you must also continue to develop your sense of responsibility," she said. "Today I want to talk about responsibility, specifically as it relates to the concepts of community and intellectual development."

Members of an active community of learners should have the confidence to develop their own ideas, the president said, while at the same time be willing to listen to what other people have to say and, if necessary, make adjustments.

"In order for communities to be good places for living and learning, members must respect one another and their differences," Williams said. "Understanding and acceptance of those different from you will come about when you treat others with respect and when you are open to what they believe and say."

The ability to think critically, Williams said, is the key to appreciating diverse backgrounds, outlooks, and opinions. She also offered some practical ways to be an active learner, suggesting that students

• take a course outside their primary field of study
• get involved in community service
• incorporate at least one international experience into their program of study
• attend music, theater, and other arts events on campus and in the community
• develop an athletic interest
• play a role in student government
• discover the area’s natural beauty

"Take advantage of all the opportunities that are here for you, in and out of the classroom," Williams said. "Make a commitment to change the world in small and large ways, and begin that work here."