The four-decade-old tradition at Grand Valley of welcoming a new academic year with a formal convocation ceremony continued August 25 with new and familiar faces on the podium.
President Thomas J. Haas gave his first university-wide address, describing himself and his beliefs, and lending advice to new students. His speech and, in particular, his remarks about diversity were well received by the students, who have dubbed him "T. Haas."
"Most importantly of all, I believe in respecting the dignity of every person -- students, faculty, staff -- regardless of color, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or physical limitations," he said to the audience in the Fieldhouse Arena. "What makes a quality university is its celebration of diversity. Diversity is fundamentally an intellectual asset."
Haas compared himself to new students and said he, too, was excited and nervous about "this new adventure." To have a successful year, he noted a few life lessons, like making connections with new people, asking for help, being a good citizen and taking responsibility.
Haas followed speeches by Provost Gayle R. Davis and President Emeritus Arend D. Lubbers. Davis, who served for a brief time as interim president, referred to herself as a bridge and welcomed students to "traverse on our academic bridge" to their careers.
Lubbers, who served as president for 32 years, called undergraduate education the cornerstone of Grand Valley and noted the other foundation stones of the university: student life, superior campus buildings and environment, community service and research and institutional loyalty.
Lubbers then told Haas that he gained great pleasure from watching people's lives become entwined with the university. "We love our university and I hope that you will love it, too," he said.
Rob Franciosi, professor of English and chair of University Academic Senate, welcomed the audience and also shared advice with incoming students on making the most of their education.
"To build your college education, show up at (faculty) office hours and ask us about what papers or experiments we're working on," he said. "If the students are the heart of a university, then knowledge is the lifeblood ... and the transfusion refreshes both the donor and recipient."
Faculty awards were also presented, including:
- Outstanding University Service Award: Barbara Reinken, associate professor of education; and James Goode, professor of history.
- Outstanding Community Service Award: Susan Carson, associate professor of education; and Patricia Clark, professor of writing.
- Distinguished Contribution in a Discipline Award: Lois Tyson, professor of English.
- Outstanding Teacher Award: Edward F. Aboufadel, professor of mathematics.
- 25 Years of Academic Service: Patricia Matthews, assistant professor of biology; Sandra E. Portko, professor of psychology; David L. Rathbun, professor of communications; and James F. Wolter, professor of marketing.
Presidents Thomas J. Haas and Arend D. Lubbers greet David Rathbun, professor of communications, after he received an academic service award at convocation August 25 / Photo by Courtney Newbauer
