Case Western Reserve University President Edward M. Hundert told the Class of 2007 that they have come to the right place at the right time.

photo by Mike Sands President Edward M. Hundert welcomes the Class of 2007 and their families during orientation ceremonies in Severance Hall.

In the president's welcome during the opening ceremonies of orientation, Hundert thanked the nearly 900 new undergraduates and their parents and guardians gathered in Severance Hall for showing "boldness" in choosing Case, a University striving to become the most powerful learning environment in the world.

"Like you, we are entering an important and exciting period of our own," he said.

According to Hundert, Case is redefining liberal learning so that it entails not just the humanities but also science, technology and commerce and so that it focuses not just on personal enlightenment but also social responsibility.

This innovative approach to education will do more than transmit information. It will transform learners, according to the president.

"The truly educated among us emerge from youth with a sense of personal responsibility that deepens over time," he said. "Work for such fortunate people is not simply a job or career, but a calling.

"This calling is distinguished by tolerance and respect for all," he continued. "Its defining characteristics are wisdom, passion and the moral courage to seek the truth."

Citing Ralph Waldo Emerson, the president said thought can never ripen into truth without action, and so he encouraged the new students en route to becoming educated learners to engage in moral discourse, embrace experiential learning and emphasize serving humanity throughout their years at Case.

"With our world troubled by seemingly intractable problems," Hundert said, "we have learned that a great undergraduate education must do more than simply enlighten students."

"I assure you," he added. "Case Western Reserve University is going to be where
the action is."

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