St. Cloud State University welcomed faculty and staff back for the start of fall semester and the start of the new school year on Aug. 16 with a convocation address recognizing the challenges of the last year and outlining the accomplishments and successes achieved throughout campus, while looking ahead to the future and the upcoming year ahead.
Student Government President Arslan Malik opened the convocation address by thanking faculty and staff on behalf of the students for playing an integral part in shaping students’ lives and careers. Malik continued by discussing how the St. Cloud State community, led by faculty and staff, assists students in making St. Cloud State a second home that provides them a sense of value and belonging.
“Faculty and staff, you have shaped the St. Cloud State culture and environment into a home for us all. You have provided us with a home away from home, and a true sense of community. For that, we dearly commend you,” Malik said. “I would like to thank you for your work in helping students reach their goals.”
In his welcome address, Provost Dan Gregory welcomed everyone back to campus while thanking them for their continued dedication to St. Cloud State and its students. Gregory reflected on the challenges of the past and how the University maneuvered through challenging times, while looking ahead to a bright future as St. Cloud State continues to be a leader in the future of higher education.
“Your work is the reason why we will be successful in implementing our It’s Time strategy. Thank you, your work is so important,” Gregory said. “We are serving students better than we ever have. I hope all of you are proud of your work, your work is nothing short of amazing. As we begin another semester, please remember to take care of yourself, take care of each other, and lean on each other when needed. Know that we are here for you, and have a great semester.”
President Robbyn Wacker opened her address by welcoming faculty and staff back for another academic year and recognizing new faculty and staff and the contributions they will make, also looking back at the past year while also providing an update on all that took place during summer break.
President Wacker continued by looking ahead to the upcoming academic year, touching on topics such as continuing to navigate through the pandemic as campus returns to normal operation, the many accomplishments and successes achieved in multiple areas of campus, the University’s It’s Time work and it making a difference while shaping the future of St. Cloud State behind a bold, innovative and focused approach, the University’s strategy to support individualizing student success, and more.
“We are going to apply this thinking of what it means to be a University focused on individualized student success, and bring a mindset to break the mold, think boldly about the impact of our work, and how to innovate for the success of our students,” Wacker said. “Thank you to everyone who has stepped up and joined this initiative. None of these things happen without you, you are doing the It’s Time work.”
Wacker concluded by thanking faculty and staff for their commitment to St. Cloud State as the University looks ahead to another successful academic year.
“What you do matters. What you do makes a difference. You are in the It’s Time work. You are an incredible part of this institution and you are helping families and students in finding a new path,” Wacker said. “Thank you to all of you who are making a difference every single day. Here’s to a great year.”
