Ladies and gentlemen,
I am honored to offer my warm welcome
to The Ohio State University.
As you heard from President Alutto,
I've been here before. . . and so have many of you.
You have come to campus as a member of the Young Scholars Program,
a 4-H Club, or your school band. You have come here to root for the Buckeyes,
rock with Justin Timberlake, or play for a state championship.
You have run through campus in the Race for the Cure.
You have strolled through campus on your official visit.
You have clicked through campus on a virtual online tour.
And somewhere along the way, you decided that The Ohio State University
is the place for you. This summer I decided the same thing . . .
for a lot of the same reasons.
We are here - you and I - because Ohio State is a remarkable institution, without peer in the breadth of its academic programs and the depth of their quality.
At a time when complex problems require interdisciplinary solutions,
this university is armed with experts in fields from agriculture to zoology,
from earth science to astronomy, from creative writing to hearing science.
Choose widely and well from the rich array of subjects available for study.
Take some risks. Follow your curiosity. Tackle a subject you know nothing about.
Learn that the unknown is not unknowable.
We are here because Ohio State is a place of big ideas and high aspirations.
New knowledge is being created everyday by distinguished faculty
and bright student researchers.
While you are here, make discoveries . . . about the world and about yourself.
We chose Ohio State because it is both big and small,
global and personal. It is as huge as 105,000 cheering fans in Ohio Stadium.
It is as intimate as sitting on a bench with a friend,
debating the world's mysteries. . .
Nintendo Wii [wee] or X-Box 360,
Bob Barker or Drew Carey,
"Gym Class Heroes" or "Plain White Ts."
College is a time to explore ideas --
even ones you may have thought were "wrong."
Celebrate difference. Rock a few boats - including your own.
At the same time, respect others. Practice civility. Protect your integrity.
Ohio State is an institution of public purpose and public values.
We expect you, as students and, later, as alumni to engage in service to others.
Make a difference. Volunteer. Use your education for a greater good.
As you begin this journey through higher education,
know that we share the same goal: that you earn an Ohio State degree.
That each of you fulfills your dreams, even as you extend your reach
and set new aspirations.
You will be challenged and changed by Ohio State.
If High School was a Musical, college will be a documentary.
Occasionally a romantic comedy. Even an action-adventure.
You have the starring role in your Ohio State experience.
We are a student-centered university, and you will find a strong supporting cast
ready to help you along the way.
Become involved. Ask for help. Lead. Laugh. Have fun.
You have chosen well. This is Ohio State's time. This is your time.
You are embarking on a spiritual journey. A time of self examination
and personal growth. Along the way, you will be connected
to the people of Ohio State and to its traditions in ways deep and strong.
What is this Ohio State spirit?
You will hear it in the words of "Carmen Ohio."
You will see it when we walk into Ohio Stadium.
You will feel it crossing the Oval.
You will know it when I hand you your diploma.
You are Ohio State spirit.
That spirit brought me home to Ohio State.
Know that you have my best personal wishes
and my commitment to assist you along the way.
I ask you to help us take Ohio State beyond excellence to eminence
among American universities.
Thank you for joining me as we start our journey together.
Copyright, 2008. The Ohio State University.
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