Convocation brings message of reaching goals

Messages offered to first-year students during Convocation on August 24 focused on identifying their goals and reaching out to faculty to help them reach their potential.

President Thomas J. Haas’ opening address to faculty and staff members focused on his goals for the future and support for higher education.

“Public attitudes toward higher education have fallen into several unflattering buckets:  it’s too expensive; it takes too long; it’s not necessary; it’s no longer a ticket to a great career; or that we appear tone-deaf to economic trouble,” said Haas. “I don’t believe that any one of these things is true. But many Michiganders do. So, we must continue to remind them why higher education is essential to the new Michigan and worthy of their renewed support.”

Haas said “stability is the name of the game” and the university must continue to be smart, nimble, entrepreneurial and accountable. He said the university should remain accessible to the well-qualified students who want a Grand Valley degree, by being affordable and helping students make timely progress toward graduation. 

He added that opportunities should increase for relevant, hands-on learning through expanded internships and off-campus engagement. “Technology and on-line learning can be blended with our traditional format to produce superior results. Provost Davis and her team have doubled the number of on-line courses in just five years. I suggest that more of this is in our future,” he said.

Speaking to students at Convocation, Haas told them to identify their dreams. “The dream of how you will spend your educational and professional lives may be unknown to you; it may be revealed to you in time,” said Haas. “There may be a professor who ignites a passion, recognizes a gift. There may be other students who see talents and abilities that you haven’t fully explored or nurtured.”

Student Senate President Jack Iott challenged students to find their greatness. “You will truly be a Laker if you are an active finder,” he said. “How will you use what Grand Valley offers to discover your greatness, to make a difference? Find a way to connect and participate. Find your place and you’ll find your passion and path to greatness.”

Figen Mekik, chair of Faculty Senate and professor of geology, encouraged first-year students to think big. “You are our future thinkers, creators and entrepreneurs. You can lead us to a bright future,” said Mekik. “Don’t lose the reality and wonder of your dreams. Your dreams will fuel you.”

Provost Gayle R. Davis explained the academic regalia worn by faculty which represent years of study, effort and dedication to enriching students, along with enriching their fields. She said the beautiful and colorful costumes are a reminder of a centuries-old tradition that represents the pursuit of higher learning.