Welcome Reception for Presidential Scholars

February 9, 2023

Welcome to the Golden Grizzly family… where we are so proud to provide the support you need as you begin your journey here at Oakland University.
I want to acknowledge Academic and Student Services and Oakland’s Honors College Dean Graeme Harper for creating such welcoming, warm and inspiring environment for our Presidential Scholars.
As you get to know Dean Harper, you will learn that he is among your greatest advocates and supporters, a person of high integrity who is a role model to many.
What lies ahead of you is a great adventure – perhaps the greatest adventure of your lives – where you will make discoveries about the academics that lay at the foundation of our civilization, the ever-changing natural and social world, and of course, discoveries about yourselves.
This is where you will write the story of your future.
And we are so proud to have the opportunity to have you here….
You are a part of a great tradition that began with our founder, Matilda Dodge Wilson, whose vision was to establish a world-renowned university of academic excellence, a great institution of higher learning where the thoughts and ambitions of tomorrow’s leaders are shaped….
And you are those leaders of tomorrow…
When you go out into the world…. People will be so impressed with your abilities and talents, and invariably ask: Where do you go to school, and after graduation, of course, where did you go to college?
When you get asked that question, I want you to pause for a moment before you answer and let them wonder for a moment, and then tell them, “I’m a Golden Grizzly.”
You are a Golden Grizzly…. And you stand out because of who you are and what you will accomplish here.
You are among the most academically accomplished students at Oakland University… and we know that you had many choices of where to go to college and you chose us….
Thank you.
It is our pledge, from the president to the cabinet to the deans and faculty….to be here for you.
Simply put: Your success is our success…
You might not realize it, but there is wisdom in the truism: Success breeds success.

Learning how to be success starts today.

You know, I’ve worked at several universities and I’m familiar with most private colleges and public universities that attract high-achieving students…
And I know your decision was a personal choice.
That’s why you will never be a number to us…. Your opinions will be heard. Your development as a student and a person is our greatest priority.
This university has four strategic goals – student success, research, community engagement and diversity, equity and inclusion.
When we think about those goals, we know everything is a consequence of student success.
When I look around, I see the foundation of our university is right here in this room.

That foundation is the connection among students, faculty, administrators….

All working together….
All proud Golden Grizzlies….
All upholding our proud tradition of academic excellence.

Because this connection, this unbreakable bond….you will succeed here and in your lives.
Imagine what will your life look like when you reach your potential?
What kind of opportunities will come your way?
How will you be able to serve your community?
How will you make the world a better place?
You are a Golden Grizzly….

And you have taken the first, and most important step, in making your dreams come true.

We hope you’ll always remember… You are at the right place at the right time.
Thank you…