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September 2007
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CAMPUS NEWS |
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| Distinguished Speakers Greet Students, Kick Off New Academic Year at Opening Convocation
As a warm August sun beat down on the quad and hundreds of students, faculty, and staff were preparing to add life to a somewhat sleepy summer campus, President-Elect Neil Kerwin, SPA ’71, and other distinguished AU community members welcomed the crowd at the university’s opening convocation with words of encouragement and memories of their own experiences at AU. “Let me add congratulations, especially to our new students, for your admission to this fine university and an extraordinary freshman class,” said Kerwin, who led his first convocation without having interim precede his title of president. “Many of you in one venue or another have already heard what I have to say about the pillars of undergraduate education at American University. We consider them commitments and promises that we make to you, and we expect commitments and promises from you in return. We promise that you’ll leave here women and men.” The event, held at 11a.m. on Friday, August 24, marked the university’s 114th convocation. For many seated in the audience, it was their first, as the incoming class of 2011 dominated those in attendance. Classes began Monday, August 27. Kerwin promised incoming freshmen and transfer students they would “leave here experienced,” by using D.C. as their laboratory. “To test what we teach here; to do what we teach here; and to use this city as a great gateway for the rest of the world.” On stage with Kerwin was Vice President for Campus Life Gail Hanson, Scholar/Teacher of the Year Pam Nadell, and Student Government President Joe Vidulich, SPA ’08, who challenged his new classmates by asking, “Who will you become? What will you do? What will your contribution be? The choices you make here will define the quality of your time. Your potential is great and your canvas is clear.” Vidulich was introduced to the cheers of fellow fraternity brothers and Blue Crew members – the student - led organization he helped create, responsible for the many painted faces and jubilant screams that accompany AU’s home athletic events. History Professor and Director of Jewish Studies – also AU’s most recent Scholar/Teacher of the Year - Pam Nadell, spoke in true academic fashion, utilizing stories and metaphors from the classroom to reach an audience who had many stories to share with new friends and many still to be written. “Each one of you, and especially the more than 1,200 members of our new freshman class and our new transfer students, has brought along w/ your luggage, stories to share,” said Nadell. “Unpack the ones you heard, the ones you have read, the ones you have crafted out of your own memories, and the ones told to you by your parents of how you came to be born; of what you did the first time you saw your new baby brother. Each of your tales is unique. In the days and weeks and months to come, tell your stories and through them find a place in our community. Your stories illuminate your past; reveal differences; and divulge unexpected commonalities. AU’s incoming freshman class consists of 1,XXX students from XX states and XX countries. - David Ferraris |