Convocation speakers usher in new academic year with messages of resilience, opportunities

President Philomena V. Mantella and other university leaders welcomed new students to campus during a live-streamed Convocation address August 28. The speakers acknowledged students' resiliency for sticking to their goals of attending college during the challenges COVID-19 brings.

Even though it's a start to an academic year unlike any other, Mantella encouraged students to find joy in their journeys.

"Opening up an academic year, no matter what the challenges and changes we face together, can be enriched by a joyful heart and the recognition that our time is finite and our opportunities are limited or limitless depending on our perspective to see possibilities or constraints," Mantella said.  

Sticking to goals, while being adaptable, will help students throughout their college years, Mantella said, while adding the journey to those goals should provide joy. At one point, the screens in the Lubbers Student Services Center showed a quote by Apple CEO Tim Cook: “Let the joy be in your journey, not in some distant goal.” 

Felix Ngassa, professor of chemistry and chair of University Academic Senate, also spoke of resilience and said the COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it many lessons, including being able to "roll with the punches."

"To me, this pandemic has been a lesson in adapting, rolling with the punches, and learning resilience," Ngassa said. "We are called to learn from this unprecedented time and alter our actions and attitudes to make our lives better, stronger and happier."

Along with providing tips about good study habits, Ngassa reminded students to follow COVID-19 policies like wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing. He also addressed other global issues.

"In addition to the challenges from COVID-19 this year, we have to deal with other societal challenges such as racism, social justice and climate change," he said. "Although this will be a challenging year, challenges could be opportunities. I urge you to see uncertainty and adversity as opportunities to re-evaluate our life’s journey and our role in our society."

Maria Cimitile, provost and executive vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, said a Grand Valley degree provides a firm foundation for students and graduates to address societal and pandemic challenges as the university's academic disciplines are grounded in liberal education.

Cimitile said, in the future, students will be called upon to provide health care, serve as public administrators and manage communities, or become artists and writers who can help others express their hopes and fears.

"The wonder of our university is that however you find yourself called, you will have everything you need here at Grand Valley to succeed," Cimitile said. "You can be assured that alongside your preparation for your career, you will find new facets of yourself, study the human condition, and further develop the skills that are so vital right now: critical thinking, ethical reasoning, collaboration and cultural competency."

Autumn Mueller, Student Senate vice president for educational affairs, gave her peers advice about finding a student organization, sport or club that fulfills their passions, and friends to support them along the way.

"Surround yourself with people who have dreams, desires, and ambitions as they will help you to realize your own," Mueller said.

Mantella said while this semester may be more challenging and bring unknowns, she encouraged students to recognize the impact they have on each other as community members.

"We now have new opportunities in the way we work; the way we meet; and the way we learn," Mantella said. "We have thrown off the constraints we may have had in these areas, and we are free – free to innovate, free to create, and free to lead through unchartered territory."