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Student Government president Julie Sauer ’08 (Rochester, N.Y.), a double major in economics & business and government & law, welcomed the Class of 2011 today at the Convocation opening Lafayette’s 176th academic year.
Good morning everyone and welcome Class of 2011. It is truly my pleasure to be welcoming you here today on this incredible journey you’re about to begin. I hope you’re all excited to be here because we are so happy you’ve decided to join the Lafayette family. I remember being in your exact position three years ago today. It was a hot and sticky summer day, not like to today. But I must admit I was a little nervous about what to expect from college life. However, let me tell you that what I’ve experienced here is something truly remarkable.
Today you are beginning a tremendous journey of responsibility and self discovery. College is a time to grow and uncover who you really are and what you want to be involved in. Lafayette offers so many enriching opportunities ranging from rowing with the crew club, writing for the school newspaper, to participating in an alterative spring break; it would be a challenge for each and every one of you to not find something you like to be involved in.
Today, I would like to stress the fact that as you sit here you are at a great point in your life. A college education is an exciting journey, which offers so many unbelievable opportunities. I challenge you as you begin your college experience to get involved in as many activities as you can, expand your horizons, and open yourself to new and fresh ideas. During the next four years, you will have numerous decisions to make and the Lafayette community will be here to guide you along the way.
As you were choosing which college to attend, something along the way made you decided you want to attend Lafayette. Whether it be the people you spoke with, falling in love with campus on a tour, being recruited on a sports team, or the academic reputation, something brought you here today. The decision to attend Lafayette is one you will not regret. This highly regarded college has a true family atmosphere, which you are now all a part of.
After renting your micro fridge, buying new sheets, meeting your roommate and setting up your room, you are ready to begin this stage in your life. I’m sure many of you are experiencing a number of different feelings today as you sit here. These are all completely normal. We all felt them and you’re about to start a chapter in your life that is unlike anything you’ve even done before. You will have the freedom and responsibility to do what you want and as you will soon learn through either late night study sessions in the library, hanging out with people in your dorm, or eating lunch in Farinon, the people here are absolutely amazing.
Take a second to look around you today and I guarantee each and every one of you will find a friend among this group. As many people say, these are best years of your life, so enjoy them to the fullest and I whole-heartedly agree with that statement. Having the independence and choices available in college life is something that you will never forget. You are absolutely going to love this place and the next four years, I recently realized that they fly by and I cannot believe it, so really enjoy them. Lafayette allows you to obtain an incredible education while having the time of your life. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, but it’s the life in your years.”
The next four years at Lafayette will be an outstanding experience and each one of you will grow in a very unique way. Make the most of these years because the opportunities here are endless and from here on out it is up to you to enhance them and thrive in this new atmosphere.
I must also mention what an important year we have coming up with the Marquis de Lafayette’s 250th birthday. There are a number of exciting events to come for this celebration.
Class of 2011, please enjoy the next four years at Lafayette as they prove to offer tremendous decisions and opportunities. Good luck as you begin your journey and welcome to the community.