Annual Address 2013
David C. Hodge
September 3, 2013
The Year Ahead
Before I highlight some specific activities planned for the year ahead, I want to emphasize how critical what we usually think of as "routine" is to our success. The success we enjoyed this past year, and the momentum that is sweeping us into this year, are above all else the result of an incredible amount of "routine" work that goes on every day. We must never underestimate the importance of highly motivated, highly committed people working towards the same goal, "pushing in the same direction." A revised course, a new internship, an improved operation in physical facilities, a new policy for student life—all of these are examples of the thousands of day-to-day individual "pushes" that define us and improve our outcomes. Just as importantly, the spirit in which we deliver these activities reflects the innovative and highly personalized culture that makes Miami special. So, with the importance of everyday activities clearly in mind, let me turn to describing a handful of activities that symbolically and substantively will be part of moving the flywheel faster this year.
Less than two weeks ago, we launched a new year for more than 3,600 first-year students at Convocation in the Hub. This class truly took flight, sharing inspiring words of advice to each other on the wings of paper airplanes. It was an amazing sight. Next, ASG president Charlie Schreiber introduced a new tradition and a new standard for student behavior centered on "I am Miami." At the Convocation, new students were given a small packet that contained a Miami lapel pin with the words "I am Miami" on the bottom of the "M." They were also given a card with a holographic "I Am Miami" on one side and the new "Code of Love and Honor" on the other. The code is a personalized adaptation of the values statement adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2002. The code begins with a simple, yet powerful statement that has defined Miami from the beginning.
I am Miami.
I believe that a liberal education is grounded in qualities of character and intellect.
It is a profound statement anchoring the Miami experience in our commitment to developing the whole person—a liberal education that aspires to awaken the intellectual world and the development of personal character anchored in strong values. Let me share the rest of the code:
I stand for honesty, integrity, and the importance of moral conduct.
I respect the dignity, rights and property of others, and their right to hold and express disparate beliefs.
I defend the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning.
I exercise good judgment and believe in personal responsibility.
I welcome a diversity of people, ideas, and experiences.
I embrace the spirit, academic rigor, opportunities, and challenges of a Miami Experience that prepares me to make the world a better place.
I demonstrate Love and Honor by supporting my fellow Miamians.
And because I Am Miami, I act through my words and deeds in ways that reflect these values and beliefs.
With a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude, I will Love, Honor and make proud those who help me earn the joy and privilege of saying, "To think that in such a place, I led such a life."
This code is the foundation for the Miami family to strengthen a culture of respect and personal responsibility that will significantly enhance all of the other programs that seek to improve student life and student growth on our campuses.
