Kamen receives honorary degree at convocation

The ceremonial start of the academic year began August 28 with speakers giving advice to new students about getting connected and studying hard in order to make the most of their college career.

It started also with President Thomas J. Haas engaging faculty and staff members during his opening address in a discussion about the "Grand Valley advantage" and how that formula of success will fit into the university's strategic plan.

Convocation at the Fieldhouse was highlighted by the presentation of an honorary degree to entrepreneur and inventor Dean Kamen. The inventor of the Segway and other innovations, Kamen explained that while he never earned a college degree, he understands the value of an education. His message of connecting with students and faculty members on campus was similar to other speakers.

"I sat in the offices of many faculty members; sure I studied but what makes a university isn't the textbooks, they're all the same," Kamen said. "It's the quality and access to the faculty."

Kamen is founder and president of DEKA Research and Development Corp. and the founder of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). While he has given many commencement addresses, this was the first time Kamen was invited to give a speech at the start of a university's academic year. He challenged students to find important problems to solve, and not to give up. 

Gayle R. Davis, provost and executive vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, addressed the convocation audience and said she and other speakers shared a commonality with one-third of the new students present: they were the first in their families to attend college.

"There was an added pressure for us; it was a new world and our futures seemed uncertain," Davis said. "But I will assure you and your families, while you are here at Grand Valley, you will be attended to."

Megan Sall, member of Grand Valley's Board of Trustees, said she was once a student attending convocation for the first time. "I was you," Sall said, pointing to several new students, "not knowing what the future would hold for me." Sall stressed the commitment Grand Valley will give to students if they make a commitment to the university. Sall, of Grand Rapids, earned two degrees from Grand Valley: a bachelor’s in international relations in 2007 and a master’s in public administration in 2009. 

Karen Gipson, professor of physics and chair of University Academic Senate, asked new students for a commitment to meet and listen to the stories of someone new and different to them. "In doing so, you will learn more about yourself," she said.

Samhita Rhodes, associate professor of engineering, was the first convocation speaker. What she had planned to say, Rhodes said, "was coming out like a bad Hallmark card." Rather than platitudes for the audience, Rhodes offered investment advice.

"Today, you are investing in the most valuable thing you own: the one square foot that's between your ears," she said. 

Maddie Cleghorn, Student Senate president, advised students to take a chance on themselves as they begin to write their own stories. She said taking a chance can mean many things, from speaking with an advisor, speaking up, or joining a student organization.

"Grand Valley works hard to be a place where you can succeed and be your authentic selves, and as Lakers, you owe it to yourselves to take advantage of these supportive communities," Cleghorn said.

Haas opening address

Haas delivered an opening address to faculty and staff members in the Performing Arts Center prior to convocation. He detailed the Grand Valley advantage as being known as the most student-centered university in Michigan, providing a holistic environment for teaching, learning and connecting.

He added that while remaining "true to its West Michigan roots," Grand Valley faces challenges to create more access and more affordability for students. With less and less state funding in the future, Haas said there will be a greater dependence on private funding.

"We are, and must continue to be, Michigan's model university, one that is focused on student success," Haas said.