Monday, August 25, 2008
Photo
Moving in: Deanna Goulden of Massillion helps neice Erika Smeyers, 18, of Massillion move a couch into her dorm. YSU Freshman Convocation on Sunday, August 24, 2008. Daniel C. Britt.
Photo
Deaunte Smith, 18, of Cleveland manages a smile as he lugs suitcases up to his dorm in Kilcawley hall. YSU Freshman Convocation on Sunday, August 24, 2008. Daniel C. Britt.
YSU welcomes freshmen for today’s start of classes
Dr. David Sweet and other YSU officials greeted the freshmen and their families.
YOUNGSTOWN — Today, some 3,500 students starting classes as freshmen at Youngstown State University begin a new way of life.
They’re not unlike the nine men who, in 1908, took a college-level course in commercial law at the YMCA in downtown Youngstown.
Both groups aspired to higher education.
YSU welcomed incoming freshmen and their families during a convocation Sunday in Beeghly Center followed by a picnic social at Kilcawley Center.
It’s a safe bet those in YSU’s first class probably wore suits and ties and, for them, the phone was only a few decades old. Today’s students are dressed more casually, and texting and checking phone messages is second nature to them.
The convocation was complete with a procession of flags from YSU’s colleges and deans. The YSU Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps led by Cadet Battalion Cmdr. Michael Deem served as color guard, and YSU student musicians played.
Dr. Cynthia Anderson, vice president for student affairs, told the 450 students in attendance that “YSU acceptance was invitation to join a community of scholars.”
She noted the incoming class was diverse, with members from 25 foreign countries, and “everyone worked hard to get here.” She acknowledged that though students made the grades, family support was and will be a contributing factor toward the students’ success. “We challenge you to take your dream and reach as far as possible.
“At times you will be exhilarated and overwhelmed. In and out of the class, experience what campus offers academically, socially and culturally.”
Anderson said this class of 2012 is destined to follow some 85,000 YSU alumni and take its place in the tradition. “Your future is a work in progress,” Anderson said. “You will determine what history you will make.”
Dr. David Sweet, YSU president, advised students to take advantage of the opportunity before them as they transition from high school to college. “Get to know at least one faculty member every semester. It will help you feel connected,” he said. “They are a great source of information for internships, jobs and other resources.”
He also suggested that students take a mix of courses to help satisfy their curiosity, study both in groups and alone and engage in a good amount of writing because it will help hone their critical-thinking skills.
Sweet also noted that YSU is a wonderful place to “learn about other cultures” and even learn Arabic or Chinese, two new language offerings.
“This will broaden your global awareness,” he said. But he also asked students to “get involved outside of class in student clubs, research, by supporting or participating in athletics and being involved in the city’s rebirth.”
He pointed out that student-driven projects have contributed much to the YSU landscape and noted the Sept. 11 memorial, Wick Pollock garden and Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Scott Schulick, chairperson of the YSU board of trustees, who once served as a student member of the board and was a student leader, said, “YSU is dedicated to teaching, scholarship and service.
“The college experience is what you make of it. Your education will influence your life.”
He quoted Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi: “You must be the change you want to see in the world” as a challenge to students.
Ikram Khawaja, provost and vice president for academic affairs, told students it was up to each one of them to “set goals for yourself.” But, he added, the university wants to help students achieve their goals.
“Your experience will help further your goals. Work doesn’t stop or end in the classroom,” he said.
Jonathan Duran, a University Scholar who earned a master of business administration degree in 2008, shared his memories of being a “toothpick freshman.” He said, “Everyone has a weird roommate. If you don’t, then you’re the weird roommate.”
Duran said success was always his goal, and a comment from a YSU professor helped him toward that end. He recalled that he planned to do a digital r sum for a computer class, and the professor suggested he do something that was “more fun.” Duran said he went on to develop a computer adventure game that will be launched next year.
“YSU helps you have a bigger, badder and better vision,” he said. “YSU is the framework, but it’s what you make of it. The real world starts now.”
Michael McGiffin, president of the Student Government Association, quoted publisher Malcolm Forbes: “Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.”
He told fellow students that YSU is their “education, playground, home and future alma mater.” McGiffin advised students to get to know one another and explore their educational outlets.
SEE ALSO:University Notes and Numbers