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Convocation at The Bob welcomes Class of 2010
Click here for slideshow 10:50 a.m., Aug. 29, 2006--Geoffrey Marcy, professor of astronomy at the University of California Berkeley, told the Class of 2010 to critically question their own thoughts and the thoughts of others as part of their journey through their undergraduate experience at UD. Marcy made his remarks during New Student Convocation on Monday, Aug. 28, at the Bob Carpenter Center, and he received an honorary degree from the University during the ceremony. About 3,710 freshmen and transfer students from the United States and 15 foreign countries attended the event that marks the beginning of the 2006-07 academic year. “Those of you who are entering UD as freshmen are extraordinarily lucky,” Marcy said. “Here, you will be able to attend a leading university. UD has a world-renowned faculty, superior students, excellent research opportunities and a commitment to public service.”
Marcy's research has focused on the detection of extra-solar planets and brown dwarf stars. His team has discovered 110 extra-solar planets, allowing study of their masses and orbits. The main challenge to the members of the Class of 2010, Marcy said, should be to critically question the truthfulness of everything they are taught in the course of their undergraduate experiences. “You will learn to doubt the assumptions tossed at you by others, and you will learn to demand verification of ideas found in books, newspapers and the Internet,” Marcy said. “In fact, you should question the truthfulness of what your professors tell you--including what I am telling you right now.” Marcy urged students to examine and justify their individual opinions and to be prepared to change such opinions if warranted. “Indeed, if your reasoning is not sound, you will have to admit it if you are wrong, which is the most difficult thing to do. Admitting this is even more difficult than knowing that your opinion may be wrong,” Marcy said. “Through the use of healthy skepticism, you will discover truths and perspectives that are stronger.”
“Don't sweep uncertainties under the rug, hiding them from others and yourselves,” Marcy said. “I suggest that you embrace uncertainty and love the errors around you and give them special attention.” The development of such insight, Marcy said, would enable members of the Class of 2010 to understand the sources for the feelings and desires of others both at UD and beyond. “At UD, your professors will teach you to examine the microscopic details of any subject, so that the big conclusions can be assessed carefully and reformulated if the conclusions need to be so,” Marcy said. “Revealing the hidden realities behind the curtain is the hallmark of a great university education, but it is your job to pull the curtain aside. In life, if you don't peek behind the facades, you will often have the wool pulled over your eyes.” Conferral of the honorary degree Before making his remarks, Marcy was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by Robert Fischer, vice chairman of the UD Board of Trustees. “We recognize today, with the conferral of an honorary degree, a very special individual whose astronomical achievements have greatly expanded our conception of our place in the universe,” Fischer said. “Understanding the universe is a crucial part of our understanding our scientific world as a whole. This individual's [Marcy] contributions, then, have made a significant difference to all disciplines of science, not just to astronomy.” The honorary degree is the highest honor bestowed by UD. Past recipients include artists Andrew and Jamie Wyeth, oceanographer Robert Ballard, retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Mary McAleese, president of Ireland. University of Delaware President David P. Roselle welcomed the new class to open the Convocation ceremony. He saluted the 20 freshmen celebrating birthdays, as well as noting that 23 sets of twins are among the class of 2010. Roselle also noted that Convocation would be the last time the Class of 2010 would be together as a group until their graduation four years from now. He challenged the new class to take advantage of the resources available to them here, including the diversity of students and student life activity; the excellence of teaching and research resources including libraries, computer technologies and networking; a commitment to service, and a dedicated faculty. “All of you have a story to tell, and I hope you will tell it,” Roselle said. “To the Class of 2010, I extend my best wishes and congratulations to you as you begin your journey here today. Good luck to each and everyone of you.”
After the recognition of the seven colleges and deans, Kelly Curtin, a member of the Class of 2007, sang the UD Alma Mater. She earlier opened the ceremony with a rendition of the national anthem. Are you ready for some football? The conclusion of the official ceremony was followed by a boisterous celebration of school spirit that included performances by the UD Dance Team and Cheerleading Team, as well as crowd-pleasing appearance by new Mascot Hall of Fame member, YoUDee. An introduction of UD fall, spring and winter sports coaching staff members was capped with a preseason pep talk by K.C. Keeler, head coach of the Fightin' Blue Hens football team. Keeler challenged the Class of 2010 to become active participants in cheering on the Blue Hens as they begin the 2006 season at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, at Tubby Raymond Field at Delaware Stadium. “Are you ready for some football?” Keeler asked the crowd, which responded with an enthusiastic cheer. “The University of Delaware has one of the best college football programs in the country. “We have had 12 straight home game sellouts. I know our fans make a difference.” The ceremony came to a stirring end with a performance of the Delaware Fight Song by members of the UD Marching Band.
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