Provost ad interim David Campbell told the Class of 2008 to get out and make a difference Monday during matriculation.
Campbell’s first matriculation as provost not only had him presenting the approximately 4,300 members of the class, but also taking over the duties of President ad interim Aram Chobanian, who could not attend the event. Campbell said Chobanian was recovering from recent surgery and expressed Chobanian’s deep regret.
The Daily Free Press learned Monday that Chobanian had heart bypass surgery.
Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore welcomed the smartest class in Boston University’s history and Marsh Chapel Dean Rev. Robert Neville followed with an invocation.
Elmore encouraged students to explore possibilities and incorporated BU’s founding dedication into his final words.
“Break our old modes of thought and let piety before naked truth be our virtue,” he said.
Campbell lauded the class for its academic achievements, including an average SAT score of 1299 and an average grade point average of 3.54. The freshmen hail from 62 foreign countries and almost every state in the nation. They were selected from 28,242 applications and the average class standing was in the top 11 percent.
Acting Student Union President Jon Marker emphasized freedom in the undergraduate allocation and quoted Ralph Ellison, Howard Thurman and Gandalf the Grey.
“Play the game, but play it your own way,” he said. “If we’re afraid to push the boundaries, we sacrifice our true potential.”
Marker, a College of Arts and Sciences sophomore, used his experience as an example of what a student could accomplish in one year and urged students to get involved.
Music Professor Joel Sheveloff spoke on behalf of the faculty and cautioned students from working too hard academically.
“Do not bury yourself in work altogether,” he said. “Give yourself time to explore socially, aesthetically and politically. No matter what program you pursue, try to take advantage of all the university has to offer.”
Recent alumna Julie Claire Macé also advised the freshman class to get involved and try new things like a year abroad.
“BU asks you to dig a little deeper,” she said. “Take classes and join clubs that pique your curiosity from molecular biology to ice hockey.
However, Macé said the most important aspect of college was self-discovery.
“Take this time to know yourself,” she said. “Listen to your instincts. Accept disapproval from others but know the only approval you need is your own.”
Campbell also touched on a similar idea. He said the class of 2008 had a clean slate to start anew and compared the freshman experience to Harry Potter.
“You may feel a little like Harry, Ron and Hermione as they face the sorting hat as first years,” he said. “Your BU experience is a completely blank slate. The outlook this morning is rosy.”
Campbell congratulated the class as being the first class to appreciate most fully the upcoming completion of the Harry Agganis Arena and Fitness and Recreation Center.
“Your timing could not be better,” he said.
Campbell also talked about the new Life Science and Engineering Building and the graduate student housing which he asked students to consider, four years from now.
But Campbell emphasized to freshmen the importance of personal responsibility and privilege that it is to be a college student. He encouraged healthy eating habits and exercise and cautioned students against the detrimental effects of drugs and alcohol.
“We have your best interests at heart,” he said. “College ratchets up the intensity several notches. Your primary responsibility is to yourself.”
College of General Studies freshman Andrew Westling said he appreciated Campbell’s comments.
“Not every university does something for their freshman,” he said. “It shows the university cares. It’s an awesome school.”
Tony Rotunno, a College of Communication student, said he was impressed with the professionalism of the ceremony, but missed seeing Chobanian.
“I’m a little upset President Chobanian wasn’t here,” he said. “But all the deans spoke well; it was good.”