I have been here for two years. For my first year and a half I lived in Stevenson North. I washed my clothes and bought food there. I parked my car next to Stevenson North, except when one of you took my place! That usually happened when it was really cold or rained. Altogether, it was a great and novel experience and added significantly to my educational experience at NIU. Thanks for taking me in.

As the university provost, my prime responsibilities are academic and student affairs.

Therefore, living in a residence hall has been a valuable experience for me. I also have visited many of the academic programs and service centers that provide your education and support during your stay at NIU.

I can say without hesitation that after having served at four different universities, I am very impressed by the faculty and support personnel at NIU.

However, what you get out of your years here is as much dependent on you as it is on what we provide. You need to take full advantage of your stay here. This not only means studying hard, it means taking advantage of the many activities, work opportunities and the social structure that, for many of you, is quite different from where you were raised.

When I look back to my college years and ask what I considered very important to my educational experience, I place a lot of value on the board job I had, playing on the soccer team, singing in the college choir and spending many hours socializing, working and studying with students from different racial, religious, and national backgrounds.

These experiences were as important to my future success and enjoyment of life as what I learned in the classroom.

The world you will serve in when you are graduated from NIU is very different from what I experienced and even your parents experienced.

The world is much more complex and diverse. Technology and radical changes in communication have leveled the playing field. The education you receive in your field of study is only part of what you will need to succeed and be able to serve society effectively and creatively.

Like my living in Stevenson North, keep pushing yourself to do new things. Go beyond the classroom. We have a lot to offer you. Seize the opportunity.