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Boston University’s leaders urged the school’s newest members to take chances and explore academic options yesterday morning at the 135th matriculation ceremony at the Track and Tennis Center.
Student Union President Adil Yunis asked the freshmen to take a metaphorical leap of faith similar to his own actual leap into the Charles River.
“There’s something about that water that really makes you come alive,” the College of Arts and Sciences senior joked to more than 4,000 freshmen. “I challenge you to, this morning, to discover what ideals are most important to you. I challenge you to discover what your dreams are and begin to explore them at BU.”
President Robert Brown asked students to acquire a “rich education” in liberal arts and sciences to be able to compete in the global job market. He also encouraged students to explore many fields of academic study because students often switch majors.
Students should form lasting relationships with their teachers, Brown said, because many professors have connections around the country.
“Make sure when you leave BU you have several faculty members who know you well,” he said.
Brown said students should take advantage of BU’s urban location and make use of the city’s educational opportunities beyond the Charles River Campus.
“Please don’t graduate from BU and have someone ask you the location of the Huntington Theatre and have to say, ‘I don’t know where it is,'” he said.
Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore spoke briefly at the event and served as emcee between the various speakers.
University Professors Program Director Sir Hans Kornberg, a biology professor, joined Yunis in asking students to explore their options. Kornberg, who was knighted in 1978 by Queen Elizabeth II and joined the faculty in 1995, stressed the importance of academic study in a variety of fields.
“In biology, I use processes derived from physics, genetics and chemistry,” he said. “[Physics] applies to all other areas of knowledge. Don’t specialize too early. Keep your options open and cast your net widely.”
Freshmen marched down Commonwealth Avenue to the Track and Tennis Center for the 10 a.m. matriculation ceremony.
“It was a good idea, the whole march down Commonwealth,” said College of Communication freshman Christina Braccio. “[But] we had to get up early.”
COM freshman Kirsten Berg said she appreciated the traditional robes worn by the faculty and the speeches.
“I always like to see Elmore speak,” she said.