2008 Woodie Awards
Opening ceremony welcomes freshmen
Paul Davis
Issue date: 9/26/02 Section: News
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After a moment of silence for the victims of 9-11, campus minister David Lauer opened proceedings with prayer.
Student Association President Luke Pfeifer welcomed the freshman and began by reminding them that while future trials may be hard, if they stick together, like America did after 9-11, they will make it through. He went on to assure the new students that Lakeland has a strong community to support the new students in their endeavors and that they should also help to develop the college's society, as everyone makes an impact.
Jeff Elzinga, interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, reminded the audience of the hope and optimism brought by the events of this new day, introducing new people into an already great community, where one could meet life long friends.
Elzinga then introduced the President of Lakeland, Dr. Stephen Gould, as a man who has devoted most his life "to [Lakeland's] students, its faculty, staff, friends, and to the good name of Lakeland College."
The opening ceremony is a tradition that shall go on even though its day shares memories with the events of 9-11, said Gould. He spoke of how he appreciated the continuity of things and how his own life is part of a great flow. He talked of a "greater flow" as what the ceremony was about— the great education that all are a part of.
While peppering his speech with humor at some times, Gould reminded all of the seriousness of the occasion by explaining to new students that there is a bigger stream than the individual, when a person realizes his or her place in life and joins the flow.
Togetherness, he said, was what happened around the United States after 9-11, and it was how this campus maintained the greater flow of education and a kind community even before.