By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Hundreds of freshmen – many with butterflies in their stomachs – were welcomed to Bowling Green State University last week, where they were encouraged to let their curiosities take flight.
The fresh faces filled the quadrangle in front of the historic University Hall, waiting to hear from BGSU President Rodney Rogers and a couple seniors who were among the freshmen class four years ago.
On each chair was an orange envelope with instructions to not open until after the convocation. Inside was something they would need in four years – give or take – tassels for their mortarboards at graduation.
As they filed into the convocation area, serenaded by members of the BGSU Marching Band, the new students talked about their experiences at their new home away from home.
Angie Bridgett, a freshman from Norwalk, admitted that her college choice was swayed by BGSU’s No. 1 ranking for student engagement.
“I didn’t want to go to a boring college,” said Bridgett, who intends to major in early childhood education. And so far, her selection didn’t disappoint. “It’s been a lot of fun.”
The residence hall experience has been thrilling, with her room being flooded by a dozen friendly faces at one point, she said.
Also weighing in BGSU’s favor was the low crime rate in the community. “It’s very safe here,” Bridgett said.
Kate Missler, also of Norwalk, chose BGSU for a different reason.
“My whole family has come here,” she said, listing off her dad, grandma, aunts and siblings who attended BGSU.
“It was one of those things that was meant to be,” said Missler, who plans to major in interior design.
For a freshman enrolled in the FLY Program, which provides academic support for students with ADHD and other learning differences, BGSU seemed like it would be a good fit.
“Something just felt right,” he said.
“I love it, it’s great,” said the student from Grove City, who hopes to major in media production. “I haven’t had a bad moment. There’s always something to do.”
During one venture off campus, he found a video game store downtown. “I love it,” he said.
As students filled the lawn, Rogers in his bright orange sports coat mingled with the freshmen.
As the convocation began, the mass of new students seemed spellbound by the setting in front of University Hall, and the gravity of the moment that was the start of a serious step forward in their lives.
“Welcome new falcons,” said Dr. Glenn M. Davis, vice president for Student Engagement and Success. He began with words of inspiration that would be echoed throughout the convocation.
Davis encouraged the Class of 2030 to be curious, to find connections, and to become action-oriented problem-solvers.
Dr. Catherine Pape, the BGSU learning community director for criminal justice studies, talked about the importance of being open to the new paths ahead of them.
“It’s great to have a plan,” but leave room for curiosity, Pape said. “Welcome to the beginning of your very best quest.”
As role models of all that is possible, two BGSU seniors spoke of their transformation from “anxious and alone” to involved and inquisitive.
Clayton Harms listed off the student organizations he participates in, some with leadership roles.
“I redefined who I was and who I wanted to be,” Harms said.
Senior Gloria Head talked about her community service and campus involvement, and challenged the freshmen to pursue their own paths with vigor.
“What are you going to do with the opportunity you’ve been given?” Head asked. She encouraged the new students to be bold. “Just go … just try it … just explore,” she said.
Provost Dr. Ravi Krovi told the freshman it’s within their grasps to graduate with relevant knowledge and experiences.
“You’re not going to spend four years trying to get noticed in a lecture hall of 60 students,” Krovi said.
Those relationships with faculty will spur critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creative marketable skills.
Then it was Rogers’ time to inspire the sea of fresh faces in front of him. He told the story of BGSU alumnus Dave Wottle, who as a Falcon track member won the 800 meter gold at the 1972 Summer Olympics.
As the race began, Wottle immediately dropped to the rear of the field, and stayed there for the first 500 meters. He then started to pass runner after runner up the final straightaway, before seizing the lead at the very end of the race to beat pre-race favorite.
An example of perseverance, Wottle returns to BGSU for homecoming each fall to participate in a 5K run, Rogers said.
Rogers encouraged the new students to contemplate “what could be, what should be, what can be.” He advised the freshmen to approach classes with a determination to learn something interesting.
“Go into it with an attitude,” he said.
