SGA President Heath Scott presented the follwoing speech to facutly, students and staff at Academic Convocation Sept. 1.
On this day, prescribed by custom and enriched by tradition, we celebrate the beginning of a new year. Providence has seen it fitting to allow our distinguished and noble University to open its doors once more. I am humbled by the honor of this ceremony, and mindful of the position I hold amongst my fellow students; a position that I have been blessed to be entrusted with. It is only once, every year, that the President, acting on behalf of the Student Government and representing the entire student body, has the privilege to address both the faculty and the administration of this University.
I have spent untold hours contemplating the words to offer here today. Thankfully though, the more I thought, the clearer the answer became. So I ask, for these next few minutes, allow to me speak from the heart…
This university means a great deal to me, and I would venture to say, everyone else gathered here today. Being elected president of the Student Government was one of the proudest moments of my life. I have been placed in a position to positively impact the university I so dearly love, and impact it I will...
Having been involved in politics for a few years, I have seen many begin full of ideas and noble intentions, only to end disgraced or forgotten. Neither is an acceptable fate. There is a distinct difference between words and action. I understand this, so hear me now, and hear me clearly: This year will be built on the tested formula of hard work, determination and perseverance.
Hopefully summer gave us a chance to renew our determination, reignite our passion, and consolidate our strength, for we will need each of these for the tasks at hand. I ask you not to begin just another school year, but to begin a new narrative; a narrative unlike any other in our proud history. This year can be the single most important year this university ever has, but it will require sacrifice. The end of long hours and sleepless nights may not yet be on the horizon for the price of success is high, but we must be willing to pay that price.
Our university is only bound by the limitations we place upon it. There are those here today who might ask, “What can really be accomplished in one year?” I stand here to offer you this answer: If you think small, you will stay small, but if you stop to dream, if even for a second, you can achieve miracles. We are too great to limit ourselves to small dreams.
Still, another might ask, “Are we ready to do what must be done to ensure success and prosperity for ourselves and those who will follow?” I believe strongly the answer to this question is an emphatic yes. We will share in the rewards gained by this New Year, but we will also share in its labor. There is something for each of us to do. There is a part for each of us to play. Together we will march hand in hand on a path to make history.
Today, I can happily report that the Student Government is now ready to accept its role in this narrative. The SGA works hour by hour and day by day to advance the mission of this University. All facets of student life will be engaged. Campus beautification, security, school spirit and numerous other areas will be tackled head on by the Student Government. Ultimately though, some of these things will require your help and your support. We all share a stake in the future and promise of Texas Wesleyan. We should strive daily to bring the highest standards to it. In order to do so though, we must come together.
The Student Government cannot do it alone. The faculty cannot do it alone, and members of the administration cannot do it alone. A new year brings a new opportunity to initiate strong and healthy dialogue between these three bodies; a dialogue that is sorely needed. Far too often I feel we are all guilty of just watching out for our immediate self-interest. We lose sight of the bigger picture. We forget that we are in this together.
So as I look around, I see not students, nor faculty, nor members of an administration,
but a family; a family bound together by our love for this university. Your hopes
and desires are my hopes and desires. I promise you. This is why I choose the words “we” and “our” because I’m addressing you – fellow members of this Wesleyan family, and our family is both diverse and strong. From the professor who comes in early and leaves late. To the single mother struggling to get by, but yet finds time to make her classes. Or even the freshman straight out of high school looking for their place in this world.
People from all walks of life call Texas Wesleyan home. Understand though, that our diversity in backgrounds, experiences and opinions not only parallels that of our community, but of this great nation. Indeed, Texas Wesleyan encourages individual thought and promotes individual excellence while cherishing unity of spirit. These values will serve to strengthen our resolve as we begin working
to enrich the university experience.
I believe the fruits of our labor will be self evident even within the first year. Moreover, I FIRMLY believe the difference we make will last a generation. Soon this ceremony will end and we will no doubt move on with our lives. This day will be but a distant
memory. Weeks will pass, then months, then years. 2009-2010 will eventually be judged by those who come after; a verdict of history brought by people we may never meet. What will they say about this year and the people present today? It is my hope they say just one thing…That on this day, and at this hour, something profound happened. Texas Wesleyan came together and changed a university, a city and, God willing, countless lives.
As I close, I want to leave a few words with you. Words to a song that I learned just a couple of years ago, but only now have I come to respect and cherish them. I ask that you listen to these words and decide what they mean to you:
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