Welcome all, both new and returning! Having been here over the summer, it was very quiet without you all and I am happy you are back. I have sensed a strong feeling of excitement on campus already and I hope that energy continues throughout the year. I would like to share my personal enthusiasm with the class of 2005 and all first-year students as I had the opportunity to meet some of you last week. I am already impressed with the curiosity and courage that I have seen you demonstrate. This is an exciting time for you, and I wish you the best!
I was lucky to take part in the continuation of Student Orientation as I partook in the "Night in the Union" last Wednesday night. Many of you flooded the building to experience your student union full of activities such as face painting, karaoke, and juggling, not to mention seeing UPAC in full swing as they brought the band "The Heaters" to life.
Thursday night brought more excitement with three-on-three basketball and volleyball tournaments in the ’87 Gym. With well over 100 people in attendance and more than 25 teams, the competition was fierce. I would like you all to know that after two hours of hard work and sweat, Team Bray prevailed as the champions of the tournament as they were undefeated and scored more points then the rest of the competition.
As your week came to a close, I was lucky enough to share your Convocation with you as the official welcome ceremony to Rensselaer. This marks the first accomplishment of your RPI career—you have survived your first week away from home. At the same time, it marks the beginning of a wonderful journey through your college career.
As you settle into your first week of classes, don’t forget that being in college is not only about academics. While it should be your primary focus, making the most of your time here may include involvement in an array of activities outside of the classroom. A great way to begin to think about other things that you may wish to do while you are here is to attend the annual Activity Fair. This year’s event will be held on Thursday August 30 from 6 to 9 pm in the Field House. This event allows all of the Union-recognized clubs and organizations an opportunity to shine.
By this point, you have experienced a few days of class, and I am sure you are ready to see what the students at RPI do with their free time. You will find club officers and other members present and ready to talk about their experiences as well as answer all your questions.
Above and beyond what you will hear from these organizations, you may even get to see some of them in action as several of them will also be exhibiting their talents that evening … so be sure to be there!!
