All of the Wayne State students in attendance at New Student Convocation were given a tassel and some words of encouragement from new Wayne State University President Kimberly Andrews Espy, Ph.D.
“This tassel is a reminder right now of your ultimate success goal: your graduation,” President Espy said. “Everyone here is confident you will reach that day. We will do everything we can to help you get there. I wish all of you great success on your educational journey, now and into the future.”
President Espy addressed the crowd of first-year students, transfer students, parents, family and friends, encouraging new Warriors to get out of their comfort zones and explore everything Wayne State has to offer.
“I’m sure for you students there will be things that you discover on your own, of which you will be proud,” President Espy said. "I encourage you to start this discovery. Don’t wait for a break in the semester or a convenient time — let now be the time and let curiosity guide you. Meet new people, ask questions, walk around like I do — you’ll see me walking campus — and join one of the student groups.
“College is truly the time to do something you always wanted to do,” President Espy continued. “This campus is yours to discover. We have remarkable facilities for you across the entire campus. We’ve got an athletic complex where you can watch collegiate sports or join an intramural team. We’ve got museums and theatres, and nooks and crannies, and surprises around every turn. Don’t be so focused on your studies that you miss all the great things around you, especially the members of our faculty and campus leadership who are here for you. Talk to them, get to know them — that’s what office hours and other times are for.
“Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize winner in theoretical physics — a discipline typically considered more serious than joyful — once said, ‘Fall in love with some activity and do it. Nobody ever figures out what life is all about, and it really doesn’t matter. Explore the world; nearly everything is really interesting if you get into it deeply enough,’” President Espy continued. “I think that’s pretty good advice.”
President Espy encouraged students to try new things but also made sure to reassure families in attendance that everyone at Wayne State is also committed to making sure students earn their degrees.
“Families, I know what you may be feeling or thinking; although I am president of this great university, I’m a mother too,” President Espy said. “In fact, my youngest graduated just a year ago. And believe you me, my children can attest to how I was focused on their success.
“Now you’re probably thinking, My child should spend less time discovering and more time studying. I know I certainly did, but as a president, faculty member and mom, I believe students should, first and foremost, concentrate on their studies and work hard to earn their degree,” President Espy continued. “Their time in college though is as much as time of learning as it is of growing as a person. Now is the time to try new things, join a club, check out a dance performance or awesome art event, or even a lecture or a game. Most importantly, talk to and make friends with someone who is different than yourself. Take in all that Wayne State has to offer. You’ll learn something about yourself, and you’ll find your own path.
“To our families, now is the time when experience, both in and outside of the classroom, can light a fire that will inspire your student to new heights,” President Espy continued. “Be confident that your student’s exploration is in fact intentional. That’s one way that Wayne State prepares your student for a wonderful career and life ahead — one that will end up making our world a better place.”
When President Espy began her role in August, she sent out a message to the entire campus community asking people to share what makes them proud to be a Wayne State Warrior. She summarized some of the responses for the crowd at New Student Convocation and welcomed them to the WSU family.
“There were so many responses that shared such nuggets of wisdom,” President Espy said. “Our campus has a passion for engaging, serving and for learning from one another. We’re dedicated to our communities and our work here in Detroit that benefits so many. The faculty are outstanding leaders in their fields, yet they prioritize the positive impact they have with students and emphasize high-quality supportive teaching. They make sure our students learn and succeed.
“Wayne State welcomes and educates many who traditionally were not included in higher education,” she continued, citing those from underrepresented groups and first-generation students. “We’re truly a campus where everyone belongs.”