New students, new faculty, and parents, I extend to you a warm welcome to the University at Buffalo. And to our returning students and faculty, welcome back!
During the past week, an elevated rhythm of excitement has been felt across our campus. New students from our region and from across the globe are converging onto UB—learning to navigate the geography of the north and south campuses all the while befriending new roommates and classmates.
As I welcome our class of 2012, I proudly note that you represent the best, the brightest, the most academically accomplished.
Your previous successes, built one atop the other, are the foundation from which your intellectual maturity, your academic knowledge, your self-ethic will be further built.
At the University at Buffalo, you are part of a greater student body noted for their academic achievements; a student body who is driven to apply their educational knowledge and creative imaginations toward building sustainable communities. Here you are part of a greater student body who want to make a difference.
I know this transition from high school to the university feels like a whirlwind. But, trust me, things will settle down. You will settle into a routine: classes, new friendships…
Once you settle into that routine, I want you to begin again exploring our university. I want you to experience the full spectrum of opportunities the university has to offer. Your undergraduate years at UB should be a time to discover the world—in its many cultural, political, artistic, intellectual manifestations. These extracurricular explorations broaden and enrich your formal curriculum and ultimately your life.
A university education only fulfills its vast potential when the student shifts from a passive observer to an interactive learner. This means you must be engaged fully in your studies: be prepared for your classes, ask informed questions, seek out answers to ageless questions, challenge yourself to conduct independent research and creative work. Dedicating yourself to your studies, while augmenting your learning through extracurricular activities, you will be amazed to learn what you are capable.
In closing, I challenge our Class of 2012 to take advantage of the diverse intellectual opportunities UB has to offer. Bridge your classroom learning to the field through participating in community-based civic engagement activities or research studies.
Take advantage of learning and living in a uniquely cosmopolitan community and extend your cultural learning to a study abroad experience. And, take advantage of the academic diversity our campus offers by minoring in a subject that seems diametrically distinct from your major.
So in closing, discover the richness of UB and the greater world in which it is a part. To the Class of 2012, may curiosity, creativity, selflessness, and integrity, be your hallmark as a member of the University at Buffalo community and as a citizen of the world.
Welcome to UB.
Satish K. Tripathi
University at Buffalo Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Last Modified: Tuesday June 09 2009