Convocation 2007

Convocation Address

Dr. Scott F. Healy '69

“New Leaders for a New Age”

It is with a great sense of pride and enjoyment that I join you today as your Convocation speaker because I believe that education, especially higher education, is the pathway to a better, safer, and more prosperous world. I am extremely honored that my College, Utica College, asked me to share some thoughts with you to consider as you begin your new journey and travel through the next four years. This will be a unique time for you and for your families.

I first set foot on this campus in February of 1966. It was the one institution that made me think about my future and what was in store for me in the years to come. It was a time of uncertainty in my life. It was also a time of great unrest in the United States, much like it is today in our country and throughout the world. I often ask myself, why is the world in such decay, strife, and war? Why do people work and live in such conflict? Why has leadership been re-defined in such a non-positive way in our communities? Why do our political leaders think of what is best for their party and not what is best for all of society? Why am I not more involved? How can I make it better for my children and my children’s children?

The answers lie with each and every person who is about to take one of the most exciting and important steps in their lives – going to college. Your world and that of those around you will change forever. I promise you that you will not be the same person when you return home for Thanksgiving. What a wonderful time it is for you as you venture into a completely different world – a fresh start and your opportunities are endless. Take advantage of every moment as you experience change – some very positive and some very challenging.

I can still remember when our first son, Chris, was about to attend college. I knew that our family unit would never be the same again. And the changes continued to take place as our daughter, Danan, and youngest son, Ryan, went off to college a few years later. Leaving our children at college was not an easy thing to do and it did not become easier as one after another left the home to start another faze of their lives. It was exciting for all our kids but sad for us.

My wife Paula and I went through a short grieving period but as all things continued to turn, we got used to our lives in other ways – freedom from 50 phone calls a day – none of them for either of us, loud music, late nights waiting for our kids to come home, and it goes on-and-on. Not only did our children move in a new direction, but so did we as parents. Having the house to ourselves is an absolute delight – not only do we look forward to our kids visiting us now but equally, we look forward to them returning to their own homes. Your parents will realize this in the years ahead.

For the students who are just beginning their journey at Utica College, this is a time to start anew. Some of you come from a traditional background. Some of you have approached college with unique experiences. Some of you have had a difficult journey just to get to this point in your life.

Let me share some stories of a few new members of the Class of 2007 at Utica College:

1. In your class of 2007, you have a young lady who has had to face very difficult times just to experience the “American Dream to Attend College.” As a young girl, she moved to the United States from Bosnia. She stated on her application, “and even as a young girl in Bosnia, I felt terror that will always be unforgettable. As the war roared and destroyed everything, my childhood happiness and dreams were destroyed. Everyday, we read lists of those killed. My dad was wounded in the war but he was one of the lucky ones, he is alive. I still believe, however, after rain, comes a rainbow.”
   
   
2. A young man from Alaska wrote, “I wanted a career in sports. At the age of 13, I was injured twice and went through extensive physical therapy. I wanted to learn more about sports training and got involved with an internship as a sophomore in high school. I continued my internship at an Air Force base in town.” This experience has meant a lot to this young man and he wants to continue to help those who are injured in sports.
   
   
3. Another student in your class wrote “since growing up in India and in moving to the United States at age 7, it was expected that I would pursue a career in Law. But by coming to America, I saw endless opportunities here. This great country gave me the opportunity to embrace a future filled with infinite choices. I aspire to become a physician as does my twin brother who has also chosen to attend Utica College.”
   
   
4. Another student from PA writes, “In the past, I have been faced with issues that have shaped my future and made me who I am today. I lived in 9 different homes since I was a sophomore in high school. However, I am beginning to realize that in the final months of high school, I am no longer going to be a kid. The idea of making new friends after 14 years with the same people will be difficult – my friends were the only stable part of my life. I would like to go to college and be the best at whatever I can be.” His counselor stated that “this student has had to face many obstacles in high school but to this day, he’s remained resilient.”

A question that I asked myself both as a new student beginning college at UC many years ago and then again as my children stepped into higher education - how committed and qualified were my professors? Would I be alone with no place to turn for help when needed, sometimes overcome with many things that I did not understand? Where would I turn when I was lost? How can I keep up with so many changes in my life?

Let me share with you some words from a friend and colleague of mine who is an Associate Professor of Public Relations and Journalism at Utica College, Professor Kim Landon. Professor Landon and I are miles apart politically. In our church in New Hartford, she sits on the far “left side” and I sit on the middle right. We are together spiritually, however.

There was an article in the summer 2007 edition of the Pioneer titled, "Why We Teach." Professor Landon was one of the professors highlighted in the article. Here is what she stated:

“I am actually not like anyone else here at the College. Many years ago I received a call from one of my favorite professors, Dr. Ray Simon. He asked me to consider becoming a professor at UC because I had some business experience that he felt would be good for UC students – a practical application of a changing technology. We spoke and what he shared with me changed the direction of my life.

Professor Landon thinks of students in her class as flower bulbs. I get to see them blossom. It is great to see the role we play as professors and mentors over a four year period. I know that I play a role in that and I get immensely warm responses from students, and I feel that I make a difference. It is a fabulous job and I get to hang around with wonderful young people.”

Professor Landon has just been selected as the 2007 recipient of the College Service Award by the Utica College Alumni Association; in 1991, she received The Cristafulli Distinguished Teaching Award, the Mentor of the Year Award from the Womyn’s Resource Center and the Outstanding Public Relations/Journalism Alumne from the Raymond Simon Institute in 2000, and the Outstanding Faculty Award from the Utica College Alumni Association in 2002.

If Professor Landon is in the crowd today, let me ask her to stand so that she can be recognized. Professor Landon…..

For our new students in the audience, there are several things that I would like you to consider as you begin the journey as a young adult:

1. First of all, do not sit by without becoming engaged in your new life at the College. Some of you will take on new leadership experiences. Some of you will take on new follow-ship experiences as well. Both are important and difficult to deal with from time to time. Your ideas and input are critically important to this College and our society – be involved in very positive ways;
   
   
2. Do not criticize without offering solutions to the current situation. We see that today in our communities and throughout government and politics too often;
   
   
3. Involve yourself with things that are for the good for the entire society, not just good for a few people;
   
   
4. Treat others with respect and do not allow yourself to operate without dignity, grace, and self-respect;
   
   
5. If you are honest with yourself, you will be honest with others;
   
   
6. Become a part of the solution, not the problem;
   
   
7. Have a sense of humor and do not get a big head – laugh at yourself and laugh with others;
   
   
8. Get to know as many students at UC as possible. Many will become your friends for life and you will return to the College just to talk about the “good old days”.
   
   
9. And last, enjoy the journey. The days pass quickly and before you know it, you will be graduating and off to serve society in a variety of additional ways.

Utica College will require you to do many new things and many old things differently. Your faculty members can become your best supporters and mentors. Work with them, but understand that they are there to challenge you academically and socially. Get to know them and respect them. They will respect you in return. You will need them as a reference to graduate or professional school or as you enter the job market.

Most of all have fun. College is not easy but throughout the years, you will develop skills that will prepare you for life. How I wish that I could be 18 years old and begin the journey all over again.

God Bless you and your families!