University of Michigan leaders encouraged U-M’s newest students to embrace an uncertain future and act as leaders to create positive change during the New Student Convocation at Crisler Center.
“This is your moment. This is your opportunity. This is your opening of worlds of possibility. Yet, it comes with a profound responsibility,” President Santa J. Ono said at the Aug. 25 welcome ceremony. “The life-changing education that you embark upon today comes with that, a profound responsibility to serve.”
Ono and other university leaders at the ceremony encouraged incoming students to persevere through challenges and work together to act as global leaders. He told the students they are entering their university careers at a critical moment that will call them to engage with others and be open to new ideas.
“In addition to the anticipation, the energy, the excitement of your first year at the University of Michigan, we are also facing critical choices for our nation in the months to come,” Ono said. “Not simply about the next president of the United States, but what kind of people, what kind of a democracy, what kind of a nation, what kind of a world we will choose to be.”
He urged incoming students to be active participants in the upcoming Year of Democracy, Civic Empowerment and Global Engagement. The initiative, a facet of U-M’s Vision 2034, will host events throughout the academic year related to civic engagement and the critical challenges facing the nation today.
More than 105,000 high school seniors worldwide applied to attend U-M this fall, said Adele Brumfield, vice provost for enrollment management.
“The people are what make the University of Michigan a world-class institution, and more importantly, a special place. So, please make time to invest in people, in each other,” Brumfield said. “Leaping forward to graduation in a few years, you will be astonished at the person you have become and the friends and memories you’ve made that will stay with you for a lifetime.”
Martino Harmon, vice president for student life, said students should strive to enrich the campus community by bringing their unique perspectives.
“You can contribute in a million different ways. With your ideas, your enthusiasm, your service to others and your ability to champion a better future for all,” Harmon said.
As “leaders and best,” Harmon said, students must lead with integrity and compassion in a diverse university community brimming with varying ideas and viewpoints.
“Our university is a place of diversity — of ideas, identities, opinions, dreams. And this diversity makes our university a powerful place. One where you will get to learn and get out of your comfort zone. Embrace that challenge. Engage with people of different worldviews openly, honestly and respectfully. This is an essential leadership skill that will benefit you for your entire life,” Harmon said.
Laurie McCauley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, told students they have just begun their journeys to pursue academic excellence and discover their passions and purpose.
“You come to campus with many backgrounds and beliefs, and you are in the right place, because our university is a vibrant one. Here you will find communities, clubs and hundreds of student groups devoted to identities and activities across the spectrum,” McCauley said.
“This year, as every class before you has done since the university was founded more than 200 years ago, you will encounter uncomfortable ideas and hear others express views which you disagree with. And you will learn new lenses of analysis, theories of mind and scientific methodologies to help you engage with a broad spectrum of theories and beliefs.”
Since more than 80% of college students change their major at least once, McCauley said, students should focus on expanding their horizons and finding interests that excite them.
“This is ultimately a journey of academic and personal discovery,” McCauley said. “Adjusting to university life can be challenging. Keep in touch with loved ones, and remember you have what it takes to succeed. We admitted you because we know you have what it takes to succeed.”
