UC Convocation Formally Welcomes New Students

Families, still reeling from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, were told at the Sept. 15 Convocation there was a vital, welcoming community at the University of Cincinnati, a community waiting to share its values with the incoming class. It's a community that will give students the strength and spirit to fight injustice and withstand adversity, long after their years at UC are completed.

Darren Tolliver, student member of the UC Board of Trustees and student orientation coordinator, explained to the audience that, "Like any community, we have values, and these values are essential to any community." He proceeded to share the university's eight principles for a Just Community, formally unveiled on Feb. 14, 2001:

Pursue Learning and Scholarship

Strive for Excellence

Celebrate the Uniqueness of Each Individual

Practice Civility

Embrace Freedom and Openness

Seek Integrity

Promote Justice

Accept Responsibility

"Now UC has not perfected these things, but we're working to do that," Tolliver continued. "If you practice and follow these values, you'll be a success."

The spirit of the Just Community was reflected in the Convocation address, delivered by Edwin J. Rigaud, president and CEO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. He told students that in their pursuit of success, they must learn to love one's fellow human. "It is much more difficult to love someone who's different than you, especially of different race.

"In 1961, I couldn't go to LSU because I'm black. But I'm also French, German, Spanish, Native American and Haitian. I'm a descendant of poor people, but my great-great-great-great grandfather was governor of Louisiana. I had to learn to love the whites and the blacks, and I had to love myself." He explained that if students stepped outside their comfort zone and made an effort to meet people who were different from them, they would discover they have things in common.

Rigaud encouraged students to act with honest motives, remembering those who risked their lives and reputations to aid escaping slaves. "Today, your friends might ostracize you if you stopped them from telling a racist joke. Can you develop that courage within yourself? Yes, you can."

He also explained students must have faith in the human spirit, recalling the events of Sept. 11 as the worst attack on our country and values in our lifetime, but may not be the last for the next generation. "What are you going to do with all this learning? How will you use your skills to fight for freedom against terrorism, against racism, poverty and hate?"

Rigaud said through the Freedom Center, the shame of slavery gives way to pride, that the nation will serve as a beacon, illuminating an ongoing quest for freedom around the world. He said the Freedom Center teaches history, but students can apply the lessons of courage to the struggle for freedom today. "It took hundreds of years for abolitionists to fight slavery, and the Civil War to end it. I do not predict it will take that long to end terrorism."

Just Community founder Mitchel Livingston, UC vice president for student affairs and human resources, told the students they would be called upon many times to uphold the ideals expressed in the university's principles of a Just Community. The initiative was cited as an exemplary program in the 1999 Templeton Guide "Colleges That Encourage Character Development." It was the first national college guide to recognize colleges for emphasis and excellence on building character as well as building on students' academic achievements.

At the close of the ceremony, the class banner was raised, made of 170 flags the students designed during orientation to portray their vision of a Just Community. The tradition of the class banner began with incoming new students last fall. Livingston explained the individual flags represented the individual students who came to the university, and as the flags were joined for the banner, it represented students joining the university community in its diversity and shared values.