Geoffrey S. Mearns
Freshman Convocation 2017
Sunday, August 20, 1:45 p.m.
Emens Auditorium

Embrace This Opportunity

I want to make three points.

First, you have been admitted to Ball State because we are confident that you have the ability to succeed here. You have the intelligence and drive to graduate in four years.

Second, all of the faculty and staff at our University are committed to helping you achieve this goal. That’s why we’re here.

Third, on your path from orientation to commencement, you will have opportunities to help other students succeed. You should embrace this opportunity. It’s not a burden. It’s a blessing.

You Will Be Challenged and Succeed

We are committed to the success of all of our students—to all of you. Our academic programs are rigorous and demanding. We will challenge you to exceed even your own expectations.

But you would not be here today if we were not completely confident that you can succeed. And there are hundreds of faculty and staff who are dedicated to your success. We measure our success by your success.

Serve Other Students

During the next four years, some of the students in this auditorium will need help—they will need your help. And you will be faced with a choice: Do I ignore their needs, so that I can focus on my own personal goal? Or do I provide them with support—with some assistance and with some encouragement?

On the way to your personal goals, here at Ball State and during the rest of your lives, what choice will you make? What choice will you make?

And here’s where I will offer some advice.

The decision to help another student will not compromise your ability to succeed—to graduate. To the contrary, it will increase your chances of success.

As I said, helping others in life is not a burden. It’s a blessing—it’s a blessing—to you.