Matriculation, Aug. 22, 2008

Michael A. Smyer
Provost

Acceptance of Class

Thank you, Dean Thiede. It is my honor and privilege to formally accept the Class of 2012 into Bucknell University.

To each new student, on behalf of my faculty colleagues, administrators, and staff members in academic programs and student affairs, welcome to Bucknell. We are glad you have joined us.

As you may know, I, too, am a first year at Bucknell. I have spent the last eight weeks getting acquainted with students, faculty members, and staff.  I can tell you that the entire community has been looking forward to your arrival.

We have put in place everything you will need to succeed at Bucknell:  from small classes (like your Foundation seminars) and close contact with your faculty to great RAs, Orientation Leaders and Assistants, to clubs, sports and other co-curricular activities.  We know that one of the best predictors of success in college is getting involved—in the classroom and on the broader campus and we know that you will take advantage of the great opportunities available. Why?  Because you are an engaged and engaging group. In short, we know that you will come to be important members of the Bucknell community. 

I want to leave you with one image for your next four years at Bucknell: the Verizon network.  You know the add with hundreds of people following each Verizon customer around?

Well, your job is to establish your Bucknell network.  It has already started with your roommates, your dorm mates, folks you met on BOF or Bucknell Wild or the International Student orientation.  But over the next four years, expand that network: include faculty members and staff, reach out to them and let them know what you are interested in.

Before you know it, we will be finished four years and we will be meeting again at commencement! But instead of worrying about how to meet people and how to find your way, you will be leaving with a network of Bucknell friends of all ages—a network that will last a lifetime.

So, class of 2012, Congratulations and welcome to Bucknell.