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Sept. 3, 2002--Speaking at New Student Convocation, distinguished physician, educator and public administrator Audrey Forbes Manley told the members of the Class of 2006 that, since the events of Sept. 11, 2001, they must commit to the future with a new sense of urgency and mission.
Manley spoke to the group of 3,996 incoming and transfer students on Tuesday, Sept. 3, in the Bob Carpenter Center.
“In the aftermath of 9/11, we are all reeling from the devastation of the attack,” Manley said. “This attack on our nation has given us all a time to pause and a time for contemplation and reassessment in all areas of our lives.”
Urging students to draw on their inner strength to deal with this new set of realities while they face an uncertain future, she said, “If you wonder at this point what you can do, there are certain things that you will be called upon to do, right now at this very moment.
“You must commit to the future with a sense of passion to live a life that is noble and dedicated to excellence and service.”
 While calling upon the Class of 2006 to spend the next four years building on the gifts they bring with them to UD, Manley also said that the events of 9/11, including the heroics of police, fire and rescue personnel and countless others, have changed the meaning of commitment and service for the generations that follow.
“That is what 9/11 did so painfully and powerfully—it redefined greatness—right before our tearful eyes,” Manley said. “We understand the true meaning of courage and service, and that is what 9/11 is all about.—It is about the rewards of serving one’s country and the world.”
For Manley, this commitment began with service as a physician in Chicago’s inner city and led to high-level positions in the worlds of academia, medicine and public administration.
The eighth president of Atlanta’s prestigious Spelman College and the first alumna to become president of that institution, Manley also served as acting surgeon general of the United States from 1995-97 and as deputy surgeon general from 1994-95.
She also is the first African-American woman to achieve the rank of assistant surgeon general (rear admiral) and the first African-American woman to be named deputy secretary for health and acting assistant secretary for health.
 “I have had the most amazing breadth of experience in my career,” Manley told the members of the Class of 2006. “I have practiced medicine in the rural South and worked on Indian reservations and have provided care to sick children in Nigeria.”
In tracing her roots, Manley acknowledged the people who helped her achieve this career through their encouragement, goodwill and example.
“I began as a barefoot black girl in the fields of Mississippi,” Manley said. “Despite the odds against fulfilling my dream, there were always those still small voices, including family and friends, who told me that I would go somewhere.”
Manley also acknowledged the special relationship that exists between Spelman College and the University of Delaware in connection with the Paul R. Jones Collection of African-American Art.
An Atlanta entrepreneur, Jones gave his world-class collection of 1,000-plus pieces by African-American artists to the University in February of 2001. A new home for the collection is being prepared in Mechanical Hall on UD’s Newark campus.
Manley’s comments came in response to her receipt of an honorary doctor of science degree, presented by Board of Trustees Chairman Howard E. Cosgrove.
In awarding her the degree, he said, in part, “Your clinical research on the subjects of newborn infants, diseases of premature infants, growth hormone and fluid administration of low birth weight infants is prodigious, adding significantly to the body of scientific research and knowledge.
“Your touch has been felt at the University of Delaware as well, where you helped design a historic partnership with Spelman to create educational opportunities for students and faculty in conjunction with the Paul R. Jones Collection of African-American art, a premiere compilation presented to UD in 2001.”
President David P. Roselle used the Convocation as an opportunity to welcome the new class, including nine students who were celebrating their birthday that day.
To see a profile of the class of 2006 click here.
Reminding the new students that this would be the last time they would be together as a group until their graduation four years from now, Roselle urged them to make the most of the time between Convocation and Commencement. The president also challenged the students to use the numerous teaching and research resources available at UD.
“To the Class of 2006, I extend my best wishs and congratulations to you as you begin your journey today. Good luck to each and every one of you,” Roselle said.”
Jamie M. Powell, a member of the class of 2003, also welcomed new students, as Richard H. and Ellen McQuaid Harris, members of the Class of 1952, who presented the Class of 2006 flag to freshman representatives Malekka Durden, a graduate of Farmington High School, in Farmington, N.M. and Daniel Roche, a graduate of Glasgow High School.
Freshman applied voice major Michael Franzone led the singing of the national anthem and the alma mater. After the official ceremony, freshmen and guests were treated to a rollicking pep rally that included free gifts, pizzas and appearances by YoUDee, the cheerleaders and dance team and UD’s athletic coaches.
To see more photos click here.
Article by Jerry Rhodes
Photos by Eric Crossan
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