2:37 p.m., Sept. 2, 2009----University of Delaware President Patrick Harker invited the institution's newest graduate students to be part of a University committed to finding solutions to important issues at home and abroad.

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Harker made his comments to an audience of about 300 graduate students, senior administrators, faculty and staff during New Graduate Student Convocation, held Tuesday, Sept. 1, in Mitchell Hall.

“We talk about the world a lot at UD. I'm aware it's a pretty big constituency,” Harker said. “But, you know as well as I that the obligation of scholarship doesn't end at the University's boundaries, or the state, or at our national borders.”

In noting that UD is ranked fourth in the nation for study abroad participation, Harker said that to be listed among the world's premier research and graduate universities reflects the goals outlined in the Path to Prominence^TM strategic plan.

“We're establishing an Institute for Global Studies to develop multidisciplinary programs with a global focus, and to broker partnerships with universities, industries and agencies worldwide,” Harker said. “We also seek to expand our global leadership and impact, to be an international resource for environmental research and policy, and to be a model for social and civic engagement worldwide.”

This commitment, Harker noted, is evidenced in the fact that while schools nationwide were experiencing an anemic growth in international applications and a decline in admissions, the University saw a 37 percent jump in applications from international students.

“You are among 1,300 students beginning their graduate studies at UD, and you were selected from 7,000 who applied,” Harker said. “You are an incredible group of young men and women, and you've already achieved great things.”

Harker said the goal of the University as reflected in its strategic plan is to continue to grow an already formidable research presence and to build on the excellence of the newest graduate students though a multidisciplinary effort involving game-changing work in agriculture, marine science, the life sciences and the further development of alternative energies such as solar, wind and catalytic technologies.

As part of this commitment, Harker noted the University has rededicated itself to making sure that a graduate student experience at UD is the best it can be, and that the work undertaken by graduate students here can have a credible influence across the nation and around the world.

“So here I am, talking about global impact again. It is that important to me, and I hope it is to you, as well,” Harker said. “Because just as this University's worth is measured by the success of its students, your success will be measured by the effect your work has on the world.”

Harker said that as part of its strategic plan to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and to use that knowledge for the benefit of humanity, the University will continue to develop intellectual leaders needed to address the world's most complex and seemingly intractable issues.

“You are those leaders, and it is your intellectual leadership that we need right now,” Harker said. “I thank you not only for taking on this challenge, but also for doing it here and in partnership with the University of Delaware.”

Debra Hess Norris, vice provost for graduate and professional education, said that the graduate student experience at UD reflects the efforts of Harker, Provost Tom Apple, senior administrators, deans, department chairs, program directors and faculty in seven colleges and more than 60 research centers across campus and beyond.

“These individuals are deeply committed to your academic and research success,” Norris said. “Together we promote excellence in graduate and professional education and success.”

Norris said such efforts include collaboration both on- and off-campus to further strengthen diversity and international experience, raise visibility, and provide grant-writing workshops, public engagement institutes and dissertation boot camps.

“We have inaugurated a global research travel grant program, created a new and useful Web site and supported professional conference participation,” Norris said. “We also have surveyed our full-time graduate students to better understand your needs and challenges.”

Norris said recent achievements and research efforts by graduate students at UD include:

• An Executive MBA Program student working on assignment in Iraq and Pakistan as a supervisory agent with the FBI;
• Students in art history, art conservation, preservation studies and the Winterthur Program in American Material Culture performing internships in America's top cultural institutions;
• An incoming doctoral candidate in environmental and energy policy who earned a Best Female Scientist Award in Ghana;
• A Ph.D. candidate who developed a mathematical model to determine where serial killers live based on where they have committed their crimes; and
• An entering student in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice who directs the International Society for Intellectual Advancement and Social Leadership.

“In the weeks to come, you will learn more about each other, and we will be greatly enriched by your presence,” Norris said. “You will be strengthened by shared experiences and traditions. We hope some traditions will start today.”

Drawing on her experience as a University graduate and faculty member, and in consultation with other UD graduate students, Norris offered some pointers for a successful graduate education experience.

“Seek out faculty and staff mentors, take initiative and demonstrate your desire to excel,” Norris said. “Develop friendships. I would tell you to spend time at coffee shops -- my daughters would recommend other venues.”

Norris also urged the new graduate students to explore all phases of academic life, including those outside of one's particular discipline, and to take advantage of the arts at UD.

“Work collaboratively, reveal your passion and engage the public in your work whenever possible, because public engagement is so important to our future success,” Norris said. “Share your enthusiasm, skills and talents. We are proud of your accomplishment.”

In paraphrasing the words of four rather famous English musicians, the Beatles, Norris told the new graduate students that while “it may be a hard day's night, on a long and winding road, think for yourself and come together with a little help from your new friends and faculty from across the universe and all together now UD. I've got a feeling, and your mother should know, and probably does, that success will be yours, here, there, and everywhere. It won't be long. Just imagine!”

Laura Miller, president of the Graduate Student Senate and a doctoral candidate in biomechanics and movement science, recommended that graduate students get to know each other and participate in senate activities.

“The Graduate Student Senate seeks to create a forum for graduate student advocacy,” Miller said. “There are 41 senators and 80 active members, and we are here for you.”

Apple also welcomed the students and recalled his own experiences as a UD graduate student, having earned his doctorate in physical chemistry in 1982.

“Before coming here I was not an exceptional student as an undergraduate. When I arrived at UD, I met a couple of professors, Cecil Dybowski, Joseph Noggle,” Apple said. “I also met my wife, Anne, here. These experiences at UD transformed me and instilled a passion that set me on the career path that eventually brought me back here.”

Apple, who served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences before assuming the duties of provost on July 1, also reiterated Harker's commitment to enhance UD's reputation as an academic and research institution recognized both nationally and internationally.

The program also included introductory selections by the UD Graduate String Quartet and the screening of a video, The Graduate Experience, by Charles Marsh.

The deans of UD's seven colleges were joined by Mary Martin, assistant provost for graduate and professional education, in extending a welcome to the new graduate students. The program concluded with a recessional led by a bagpiper and a reception on The Green.

Article by Jerry Rhodes
Photos by Kathy F. Atkinson