After the first week of welcome activities, students got the chance to see how they can achieve academic success at Ottawa University.
Jason Beers, Student Body President, started off Convocation by taking
students through a journey of a boy who had many struggles in his life.
“You too, came to Ottawa University to challenge yourself,” Beers said during his speech.
Beers then continued his speech, titled ‘Family Pride,’ by stating that the struggles that students have been through or go through in life will only make them stronger.
Kevin Eichner, President, then took students back in time as he described the struggles he went though as a student.
“Almost 40 years ago I was a freshmen entering this institution,” Eichner said at Convocation on September 10th.
“I was getting ready to participate in football and music; I was thinking about my education and how I would respond to such a small student body.”
His speech may have shaken some of the first-year students same thoughts-or even students who still may feel hesitant about balancing their lives at such a small university.
“Convocation sets the year off right,” Lindsey Fenton, sophomore biology major said about Sept. 10th Convocation ceremony.
“It inspires students to do well and to balance academics and sports. It’s important to remember.”
Eichner wanted first-year students to know that even though student body numbers are small, it can only help the success of students.
“You are the centerpiece of everything we do,” Eichner said in his address to students at Convocation.
“Each new school year traditions and programs make each new year something special.”
This spring semesters Dean’s List for academic achievements featured 88 students for their academic success of 24 hours or more with a 3.5 GPA.
The Dean’s Honor Roll had 52 students who received a 3.5 GPA in 12 hours. 22 students received Medals of Excellence for earning a 4.0 average for the 2008-2009 academic year.
But Eichner, just like Beers, wants students to know that success may not come without those same challenges they have faced. “It’s okay to have questions and be questioned,” Eichner said in his speech.
“I push the edges of my comfort zone. If we stay in that zone, we will stay as who we are.”