The University of Akron
Fall Convocation remarks
Gary L. Miller
President
Thank you, thank you all, and welcome to Convocation and most especially welcome to The University of Akron.
Let me pause and thank a few people here. This event, and much of what you have been involved with in the last week or so has been organized by [Vice Provost for Student Pathways and Dean of the Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College] Fedearia Nicholson-Sweval [and] Dr. John Messina’s student affairs staff. Where is Fedearia? There she is. If you see her, give her some praise.
You may not know this, but The University of Akron has a fantastic Board of Trustees, and there are two student members of that Board of Trustees. I think I see Luke Smith over there. Step out so they can see who you are.
Let’s also give it up for the band. You guys are great. Thank you!
You’ve joined a vibrant, forward-thinking University, [which is] a very exciting place. And you’ve joined a University that is in a fantastic city. You’ve become Zips, and by doing this you’ve opened yourselves up to some really cool opportunities.
I want to ask you to do four things for me while you’re here. You’ve got four, five years to do it. I want you to do these things, if you don’t mind.
Number one, I want everybody at the University that you see working here cares about your success. If you get a chance, starting today, get to know some of these people. Members of the faculty, the staff, people who work in the cafeteria, people who make this University beautiful, stop, talk, introduce yourself and thank them for their work. These are great supporters of yours and they’re part of The University of Akron. Thank you for doing that.
Secondly, while you’re here with us, this is really important … you’re going to get a lot of opportunities to do things that you wouldn’t normally do, and this is going to be transformational for you. But don’t forget, you’re part of the University community and I need you to help us get better. So, while you’re here, think about what you can do to make this University a much better place than it already is, and it is pretty fantastic already. Be open about it, be creative and we’re looking forward to getting to know how you’re going to change us.
Number three, get to know this city. This is a great American legacy city. We have the mayor with us today. There [are] amazing things to do here and there are also many, many different ways you can serve while you’re here. And there are also ways you can find out how to serve. This is a great city, we are part of this city, and … I’m asking you to get to know this place.
And finally, take care of yourself. There are people here who will help, everybody here will assist you, watch out for one another. Ask for help if you need it. And by all means have fun while you study.
Remember, you’re a Zip. Go Zips and beat Kent State!
Thank you very much.