16th Annual New Student Convocation

Alfred State College faculty and staff welcomed this year's incoming freshman class of 1,500 students during the 16^th annual New Student Convocation. This year's speakers were Dr. Daniel Barwick, ASC Director of Institutional Advancement; Alfred J. LaMere, Rochester, Student Senate president; and Tim Waterman,’02, Niagara Falls, who gave the welcome from alumni. In his remarks, Barwick took an unorthodox approach as he instructed the attendant freshmen on how not to succeed in college. Despite the humor in his remarks, the assembled students got the point:  hard work and dedication are the cornerstones of college success. LaMere, on the other hand, encouraged his student colleagues to grab the opportunities for growth offered at the college. He noted, “Today we begin a new era of responsibility. We are no longer children; we are young adults, and as adults we must make decisions that may seem difficult, but I challenge each and every one of you to make the right decisions. And I promise that if you make the right decision, if you respect institutional policy; if you DO the right thing, then you have a bright future in this world.” He added, “So long as we, the students of Alfred State College, come together and join imagination with purpose, we can truly make a difference.” Waterman, gaming inspector at the Seneca Gaming Authority in Niagara Falls, representing the ASC Alumni Association, gave a brief history of his educational journey and how he credits Alfred State with preparing him for his additional education and the skills needed to be a successful professional. His advice to the freshmen was brief:  “Make the most of the opportunities you will be afforded. Work diligently toward your goals, but make sure you savor the experiences along the way.  Your time here should be as rewarding as it is enjoyable. Take ownership of your future by building a solid foundation each day. And welcome to the Alfred State family; I hope your experiences here are as rewarding as mine have been.”