Alfred University hosted its Opening Convocation Thursday afternoon at the Galanis Family Arena, welcoming new students to campus and marking the beginning of the University’s 191st academic year. Classes for the 2026-27 year begin on Monday, Aug. 24.
Gabrielle Gaustad ’04, dean of the Inamori School of Engineering, delivers the keynote at Alfred University’s Opening Convocation.
Gabrielle Gaustad, a 2004 Alfred University graduate, provided the keynote address. Gaustad has served as dean of Alfred University’s Inamori School of Engineering since 2019 and also serves as the university’s vice president for Statutory Affairs and associate provost for research. She earned a bachelor's degree in ceramic engineering from Alfred in 2004 and went on to earn a master’s degree in computation for design and optimization a doctoral degree in materials science and engineering, both from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
In her remarks, Gaustad referenced this summer’s blockbuster motion picture The Odyssey—the epic poem by Homer describing Odysseus’ decade-long effort to return home to his kingdom of Ithaca following the end of the Trojan War—to offer students a roadmap for their time at Alfred.
“Choose your Ithaca. The important thing about an odyssey is that you don’t begin one knowing where every road will lead. That is particularly true of a university education,” Gaustad said. She referred to her own time at Alfred, sitting for Opening Convocation 26 years earlier, unsure of where her path would lead her.
“For those of you beginning your first year, you are standing at the shoreline. You may have a destination in mind. You may know what you want to study, what career you hope to pursue, or what you imagine your life will look like four years from now. But I can almost guarantee that your journey will not unfold exactly as you imagine it today. And that is not a problem. It is the whole point,” she said. “So, chose your Ithaca—have a direction, but expect it to change.”
Gaustad also told students to “expect challenges, temptations, and storms,” just has Odysseus had during his journey. In one, the hero had to choose between two “terrible options”: Scylla and Charybdis, two sea monsters who lived on opposite sides of a channel Odysseus was trying to traverse.
“This is one of the great truths of life: sometimes there isn’t a perfect answer. Sometimes there is only which of these two problems do I want to have?” Gaustad said. “Learning to navigate the Scylla and Charybdis decisions that you encounter will be a valuable skillset.”
She also told students to be cautious of the Sirens, beautiful creatures in The Odyssey who lure sailors toward destruction with an irresistible song. “Today we call them Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. While they won’t kill you, you could easily lose four hours before you realize what happened.”’
Gaustad urged students to “maintain a sense of purpose while navigating uncertainty” and use their education to solve problems by crossing boundaries, asking difficult questions and working collaboratively. “Expect temptations, challenges, and storms — it’s not so much how you navigate them but the resilience that you build in that navigation that matters.”
She also encouraged students to become part of a community at Alfred.
“There is another lesson from The Odyssey that I think is even more important. No one completes an odyssey alone,” Gaustad said. “Odysseus had guides, allies, friends, family, and people who challenged him along the way. You will too. Find the professor who will push you. Find the classmate who will challenge your assumptions. Find the friend who will remind you to laugh when the semester gets difficult. And be that person for someone else. Because an Alfred education is not something that happens to you. It is something we build together.”
Gaustad stressed the importance of mentorship in telling students to “find your Athena,” referencing the Goddess of Wisdom who provides advice to Odysseus’ son, Telemachus. “Every student needs an Athena,” she said. “Your mentors will be your most important allies on the rest of your journey.”
She told students to expect that their journey will change them.
“You may arrive here convinced that you are going to become one thing and leave knowing that you are meant to do something entirely different. That is an odyssey. You will almost certainly work in jobs that don’t yet exist, solve problems that haven’t yet emerged, and use tools that haven’t yet been invented. And at Alfred, we believe that education should be that kind of journey.”
Student Senate President Holly Lyimo, a sophomore ceramic engineering major from Tanzania, also addressed students, telling them they are a valuable part of the university community.
Holly Lyimo, Student Senate president, makes comments at Alfred University’s Opening Convocation.
“The thing I would love for you to get out of this speech is not even the words but rather a feeling: that's the feeling that you matter,” she said. “Yes, you have great value. You matter and the university wants to help you succeed.”
Lyimo also urged to be curious, take chances, and step outside their comfort zones.
“Don’t underestimate the little things you can give. As I like to say, you receive the energy you give to the world. Sometimes that means stepping beyond what feels familiar. Don't let the comfort of what you already know keep you from discovering what you don't,” she said. “There are times you will feel the least experienced in the room – walk in anyway. There are times you'll feel less knowledgeable – speak anyway. There are times you’ll mess up and fall short – learn anyway. Competence starts from being bold enough to try, fail, and follow through. Just a reminder that you matter, and I'm more than excited to witness the great things you'll achieve this semester.
Kim Harvey, vice president for Student Experience, welcomed the incoming class on behalf of faculty, staff, and returning students.
“We thrilled that you’re here and said, ‘yes’ to joining the Alfred community,” she said. “Today marks the beginning of something significant. You are now part of a community of innovators, artists, makers, doers, critical thinkers, and changemakers. You each bring your own story, talents, experiences, and dreams—and it is that unique combination that makes Alfred such a vibrant place to learn, grow, and thrive.”
She encouraged students to build relationships that will help guide them on their academic journeys.
Kim Harvey, vice president for Student Experience, offers comments at Alfred University’s Opening Convocation.
“One of our strengths is our culture of connection and mentorship. Your faculty, staff, coaches, advisors, mentors, alumni, and fellow students are here to know you, support you, challenge you, and celebrate you,” Harvey said. “Be curious: ask questions and explore ideas that are new, even uncomfortable. Be courageous: share your voice and take the time to listen deeply to others. Be connected: find your people, build relationships in your residence halls, classrooms, athletic teams, student organizations, and across campus. And most of all, be open to transformation. Let this experience stretch you in ways you might not yet expect.”
In his closing remarks, Mark Zupan, university president, reminded students of Alfred University’s mission: to help them realize their purpose. He referred to the university’s three core strengths which helps it in that mission: Belonging, Intersections, and Mentorship.
“Here at Alfred, we take pride in being inclusive since 1836,” the year of Alfred’s founding. The university was the first co-educational institution of higher education to admit women and allow them to pursue the same full course of studies offered to male students and was one of the first higher educational institutions to admit African American and Native American students. “You belong here at Alfred; you matter. You are here at Alfred because we want you here.”
Mark Zupan, Alfred University president, speaks during the university’s Opening Convocation.
Zupan told students to explore the many intersections available to them: through a variety of majors, minors, and double majors; through interdisciplinary opportunities such as those that will be offered at the soon-to-open Cohen National Casting Center Foundry; by visiting places like the Foster Lake recreational area, Stull Observatory, or Maris Cuneo Equine Park; and by taking part in a wide variety of clubs and organizations.
“Be bold. Take full advantage of the pathways available to you,” he said.
Zupan urged students to attend the university’s third annual Mentorship Day on Sept. 25. The event brings successful alumni to campus to connect with students and discuss how they’ve succeeded in their careers, and to offers advice on how they can make the most of their time at Alfred.
“The CFO of you, is you,” Zupan said. “Your ability to realize your purpose will be enhanced by mentors. Take the initiative to rely on them.”
Li’l Alf, Alfred University’s mascot, greets incoming new students following the conclusion of Opening Convocation ceremonies.
