Arizona State president to provide keynote address at Clemson Convocation
August 15, 2014
CLEMSON, SC — Clemson University will formally begin its 122nd academic year at the 2014-15 Victor Hurst Convocation at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts.
Michael M. Crow, president of Arizona State University, will provide the 2014-2015 Convocation keynote address. Crow, the university’s 16th president, is guiding the transformation of ASU into one of the nation’s leading public metropolitan research universities, an institution that combines the highest levels of academic excellence, inclusiveness to a broad demographic and maximum societal impact — a model he terms the “New American University.”
“We measure ourselves not by who we exclude, but, rather, who we include and how they succeed,” Crow said.
Clemson University President James P. Clements serves on several national organizations with Crow, and has been very impressed by what he has seen in his transformational leadership.
“As a land-grant institution, Clemson must be transformative and reach those communities that need us the most,” said Clements, who will be presiding over his first convocation as Clemson president. “The challenge is going to be, ‘How do we provide access and excellence both at the same time?’ President Crow, a national leader, has demonstrated how we can do that. We have a responsibility to lift all boats.”
Under his direction, ASU pursues teaching, research, and creative excellence focused on the major challenges of our time, as well as those central to the quality of life, sustainable development, and economic competitiveness of Arizona and the nation. He has committed the university to sustainability, social embeddedness, and global engagement, and championed initiatives leading to record levels of diversity in the student body.
Crow was previously executive vice provost of Columbia University, where he also was professor of science and technology policy in the School of International and Public Affairs. His speech is sponsored by Clemson’s College of Engineering and Science.
“President Crow’s vision can serve as a road map as Clemson tackles the grand challenges of the 21st century,” said Anand Gramopadhye, the dean of Clemson’s College of Engineering and Science. “His experience has shown us that we must be willing to disrupt the status quo to keep pace with the changing times and have global impact. We should be willing to tear down the walls that separate disciplines and encourage collaboration for the common good.”
A processional of Clemson faculty and staff to the convocation will begin from Sikes, Brackett and Tillman halls at 8:30 a.m., and will proceed through the Carillon Garden down the walkway to the right of Martin Hall. It will continue past the reflection pool through the library breezeway to the Brooks Center.
The university will also recognize a professor with the Phil Prince Award for Innovation in Teaching. The Prince Award, named for Clemson President Emeritus Philip Prince, recognizes outstanding teachers who demonstrate creative and novel teaching methods to the classroom.
There will be a reception in the Brooks lobby following the convocation.
— With Paul Alongi
