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| Vol. 18, No. 1 | Sept. 3, 1998 |
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| Vol. 18, No. 1 | Sept. 3, 1998 |
Six of the 17 sets of twins in this year's freshman class met in front
of Gore Hall before Monday's Convocation ceremonies. The new students (clockwise,
from left) include Dawn and Amber Dove, Kenani and Kelila Hines, Claron and
Clark Ridge, Jason and Nicholas Hetrick, Anupa and Ayesha Chacko and Lea and Ryan Diamond.
More than 4,000 new students, including transfer students, were greeted by University President David P. Roselle.
"Seize the opportunities that lie before you today and for the next four years," Roselle told the students. "Make it your challenge now to make a difference today and for the next four years. Take advantage of the resources available to you here-the diversity of students and student life activity; the excellence of teaching and research resources, including our libraries, laboratories and computer technologies and networking; the commitment to service; and, most importantly, the dedication of our faculty."
Chosen to address the new students was Roberta Golinkoff, H. Rodney Sharp Professor of Educational Studies. Golinkoff joined UD in 1974 with joint appointments in psychology and linguistics. A 1988 Guggenheim Fellow, she was appointed to her named professorship in 1995. Her research focuses on how children learn their native language.
Golinkoff urged the audience to imagine they were successful UD graduates on photo safari on the African grasslands, and went on to describe three forms of "language" used by vervet monkeys. She also discussed the "incredible linguistic fluency" of humans, an ability which, she said, is often taken for granted.
"And, why am I telling you all this?" she asked. "Because...you are lucky enough to be in a place where facts and ideas like this are the currency, where people think hard about such issues and spend their lives trying to uncover deeper and more comprehensive explanations.
"For the next four years," Golinkoff said, "you will have the most selfish and wonderful experience you will ever have delving into topics, like vervet monkeys and language development in humans, that you never gave a moment's thought to in the past. You will have an opportunity to expand your vistas in ways that you cannot now imagine.
"And, while on this journey, you will begin to discover what you are and what forces shaped you.
"Take your education personally," Golinkoff urged. "Figure out how the material you are learning helps you understand yourself and your world. Not only will this help you to become a better person, but it will help you absorb the material from class more easily and effectively."
Golinkoff encouraged students to become involved in research early in their college careers through independent study.
"If you get involved in research- regardless of the field-your experience may help you uncover the career path you wish to follow. Second, by getting involved in research you will gain a faculty mentor. A mentor is someone who believes in you and your capabilities-probably more than you do! Research has confirmed that students with mentors outperform students without mentors and perceive their institution as more supportive and responsive to their needs.
"You're very lucky to be here! It's up to you to get involved. From vervet monkeys to Victorian literature to discovering how babies are statisticians it's all here for you, like a scrumptious banquet, spread out on silver platters, just waiting for you to pick which delicacies you want to try. Bon appetit!"
Also at Convocation, Michael Keefe, president of the University Faculty Senate, presented the Francis Alison Award to Carol E. Hoffecker, Richards Professor of History. One of the University's most prestigious honors for faculty, the award includes a $6,000 honorarium and medal in recognition of scholarship, professional achievements and dedication.
Keefe introduced Hoffecker, who holds an undergraduate degree from the University, as a "truly distinguished teacher and scholar who has made notable contributions across the spectrum," a person who "returned to her undergraduate roots with enormous talents and energy for scholarly pursuits."
In accepting the award, Hoffecker said, "I am blessed with colleagues throughout the University who encourage and appreciate my work and those in my own department who have shared useful insights with me and who make it a joy to come to work every day."
She urged students to become familiar with the Morris Library and noted that the University Archives, the State Archives in Dover and the Hagley Museum and Library have been instrumental in her many publications on various facets of Delaware history.
Saying she had listened to other Alison award winners thanking people in the past, Hoffecker said, "I always wonder what, if anything, these statements can mean to freshmen who haven't even begun college yet and can't be expected to know what faculty do. Let me say this to you: You may not know what it feels like to be in my shoes, but I do recall what if felt like to be in yours. I was once a freshman at this University, sitting on this very field listening to remarks about things of which I had a very faint understanding. This ceremony of convocation is about you and your future much more than it is about me. So, please allow an old hand to give you just a few words of advice.
"You have come to a point in your life of new beginnings and to a place where your dreams can begin to be realized. This is a wonderful place, filled with amazing opportunities to learn many things from people who are both prepared and eager to help you make the most of them. Above all, do not think of college as a TIME OUT in life, but as your most important time IN-for what you learn and what you make of yourself during your years here will set the stage for everything that follows in your life. It certainly did for me. All it takes is a strong desire, a little imagination and a lot of hard work," Hoffecker said.
Also participating in the ceremonies were Andrew Wiedel, a senior finance major from Baltimore and president of the Delaware Undergraduate Student Congress. Wiedel urged students to "enjoy the energy that comes from such a large concentration of youth" and not to judge themselves on a 4.0 gauge alone. "What you learn about yourself outside of the classroom is part of the degree you will carry with you for the rest of your life," he said.
Wiedel presented the flag for the Class of 2002 to Sarah A. McCarron of Lewes, an undeclared arts and science major in the University Honors Program.
Rebecca Arnold of Langhorn, Pa., a junior music education major, led the singing of the Alma Mater. The Delaware Brass provided music.
-Beth Thomas
Photo by Robert Cohen
