By Jane R. Elgass
Though complimented on the outstanding records of achievement they have brought to campus, members of the class of 1997 were told last week by President James J. Duderstadt that despite their obvious academic talents, they “will be greatly challenged by this University.
“Nobody ever said that a Michigan education is easy. It takes extraordinary effort. It takes perseverance.” Noting also that a Michigan education “is an opportunity to learn the art of life, to prepare yourselves for a lifetime of leadership,” the president offered four bits of advice:
—By its very nature, the U-M is rich in diversity in its people, programs and activities. Students should take advantage of their exposure to some of the world’s leading scholars, and pay careful attention to learning methods of inquiry, critical analysis and thought to prepare themselves for leadership roles.
—Members of the Class of ’97, like those before them, “will learn as much if not more outside the classroom” and should participate in the “rich array of experiences” available to them.
—”Education is not a passive process, it is not an opportunity presented on a silver platter,” the president said. “It is expected that you take an active role in your education. We expect you to explore, to discover, to challenge yourselves, to challenge us. You will be given unusual freedom and responsibility to choose the right things to do.”
—As future leaders of society, the new students were advised to consider their college education “as a first step to a lifetime of education. A liberal education serves as the foundation for a lifetime of learning,” Duderstadt said.
“We want to stimulate you, to ignite the intellectual fires, to stimulate each of you with a spirit of liberal learning, a spirit that will be part of you for the rest of your lives. In short,” the president concluded, “we want you to become leaders who will
