President Sams addressing new students. Photo Credit: Joanna Vissichelli
On September 14, 2023, incoming freshmen and transfer students gathered in the Clark Athletic Center for SUNY Old Westbury’s Annual Fall Convocation.
The university hosts the event each year to welcome new students together as a class as they begin their journey as a Panther. This year’s incoming class of 2027 is the largest in five years at the University with over 700 students. At the event, there were speeches by Dr. Danielle Lee ‘10, Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Academic Institutes & Programs; Earl Thomason Jr. ‘15, an alumnus, public administrator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist; and Dr. Timothy E. Sams, the university president.
President Sams introduced students to a brand new Old Westbury tradition. First, he told them about Ole Worm. The Danish physician, natural historian, and antiquary created a “cabinet of curiosity” that “reflected his discoveries and creations that emerged as he traveled the world, learned from different people, ventured to unexplored places, and entertained contrary ideas.” President Sams then announced that on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, an Ole Worm statue will be unveiled on campus. He said the statue “will be the site of expression for our OW students to portray their creativity, their passions, pride, celebrations, protests, and identities.” Students can express themselves in different ways using the statue, including but not limited to, painting and dressing Ole Worm up.
President Sams also highlighted the mission of the university. “We commit to giving you the best education possible and we are committed to helping you to blossom in all aspects of your complex life,” he said. Dr. Lee reflected on her experiences at Old Westbury, attesting to this mission. “It was on this campus that I learned I had a voice,” she said. She encouraged students to strive for excellence, uphold the university’s values, and listen to the people around them. “Education requires not only that we speak, but that we listen to and learn from one another,” she explained. “This is particularly important in the state of the world as it is where words are weaponized. But know this, words can also heal.”
Students were also encouraged to “dive into discomfort” by Thomason Jr. By the end of his speech, all students were standing in solidarity with the belief that they will be the best versions of themselves, and combat internal and external obstacles. Students repeated after him with statements such as, “I will embrace the unknown,” “I will walk in my purpose,” and “I will challenge broken systems… create better ones.”
After being welcomed to find their purpose by First Year Class Dean, Bonnie Eannone, students listened to an acapella performance of “Lean on Me,” by Bill Withers. The singers included Old Westbury students, Erika Jean-Pierre, Tashauni Rainford, and Amira Crystal T. Richardson. Convocation attendees clapped to the beat of the performance in unity.
