Tuskegee University News August 23, 2010 Morris delivers first presidential address to students in University Chapel TUSKEGEE, Ala. (August 23, 2010) — Dr. Charlotte P. Morris, Interim President of Tuskegee University, welcomed the new freshman class and other first-year students to Tuskegee University during her first presidential address to students Sunday in the University Chapel. Hundreds of faculty, staff, administrators, community members, parents and other students also attended the morning service. "Tuskegee University is the place to be. You had your choices and we are very happy you chose us," Morris said to the students and parents in attendance. "We are here not only to help you to prepare for careers, but to help you to fulfill your roles in a global society. Investment in knowledge pays the best interest." Morris continued her motivational address by stressing the importance of character, quoting the University's founder. "Booker T. Washington was a great advocate of character. He said, ‘Character, not circumstances, makes the man' … or woman," Morris said. "Character is powerful." Other themes of the address included optimism, academic importance, kindness, integrity and persistence. "Don't become known as good starter, but not a good finisher," Morris said. "Enjoy the Tuskegee Experience. Live your dreams. I challenge you to never give up. These are hallowed grounds. Let's be true to the ‘pride of the swift, growing South.'" SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/meeting-form.html for the October 24-26, 2010 HBCU Library Alliance 4th Membership Meeting and the "Conference on Advocacy" pre-conference in Montgomery, AL. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.