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The University of Akron


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Speeches
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Commencement Addresses

• Relevance, Connectivity and Productivity: New Strategies for Success in Higher Education 11/08/2009
  

  Remarks Abstract:

  "Seismic rumbles of change" are transforming traditional paradigms for research and higher education-to say nothing about the relationships between academia, industry, government and the public. The sources of cataclysmic pressure are many, including competition among universities, shifting demographics and their accompanying shifts in priorities, resource constraints, public/government scrutiny of productivity and accountability in universities, the evolution of a global economy and the innovation ecosystem, and, most recently, the worldwide economic downturn. Like many industries, higher education is on the threshold of major, complex changes that must be directed to optimal outcomes. The University of Akron is innovating through a continuous process that seeks to enhance its relevance, connectivity and productivity.

  Relevance:  Institutions of higher education generally are place-based, and this means that the competitive and comparative advantages of universities are inextricably linked to the vitality and sustainability of their surrounding communities. Thus, universities must act to optimize their impact upon the regions in which they reside, and would be wise to extend their efforts collaboratively into like regions internationally. The complexities of the 21^st Century knowledge and conceptual economy require that every academic discipline be collaboratively engaged with the relevant questions of the day in concert with other disciplines and partners on and off campus. In other words, relevance requires the integrated application of all disciplinary knowledge for the public good.

  Connectivity:  Connectivity is an extension of relevance and refers to engagement with others by universities in the myriad forms represented by partnerships and collaboration that are not limited by institutional, sector, geographic or disciplinary boundaries. In other words, connectivity means relevant engagement among some combinations of other academic institutions, government, business and industry. This becomes essential as governments become a smaller and smaller financial partner, requiring universities increasingly to generate their own financial revenue opportunities.

  Productivity:  Finally, higher education must move from measuring "excellence" by exclusion and expense to a set of productivity-based metrics that reflect outcomes and achievements in solving "real-world" problems and in enabling student success.

  Universities now are being called upon to explore opportunities that will create innovative educational processes and campus cultures congruent with new realities. This will require a close and deep collaboration between universities and other public- and private- sector organizations, along with a willingness to experiment with new models and new alliances. As we increasingly work with partners accustomed to aggressive delivery schedules and product mixes that rapidly change according to market demands, the core of academic processes will be challenged, and adaptability must become integrated into institutional culture.

   

  Filed in: Speeches,


• Revisioning the University 10/28/2009
  

  As part of his 10^th State of the University address, University of Akron President Luis M. Proenza promised to send this letter to the university community to ask that faculty, staff and students to "engage in timely and necessary conversations to bring... about (a mission- and vision-based university organizational structure). He said, "I am sure many lively and constructive ideas will be brought forward, but we must approach this with a sense of urgency because, as I have said before, doing business as usual is not an option."

   

  Filed in: Statements to the Community,


• 2009 State of the University Address 10/27/2009
  

  University of Akron President Luis M. Proenza underscored the successes of the past year and set in motion the process of steering the university toward the future during his 10^th State of the University Address.  As promised during his 2008 address, Proenza provided a progress report on the formal 10-year strategic plan, which he said "will chart the course to our new destination." As he outlined these plans, Proenza encouraged the audience to think about the origin of the name "Akron," derived from the Greek "akros," meaning "high place," in setting and achieving those goals.

  Proenza outlined five strategic goals that will guide the university through the next 10 years and beyond:

  1. Strengthen Akron's historical commitment to inclusive excellence to enhance student access, transformation and success.
  2. Create vibrant, healthy, and diverse campuses that are deeply engaged with their surrounding communities.
  3. Establish selected cross-disciplinary clusters of academic distinction that are recognized nationally and internationally.
  4. Achieve national recognition for a curriculum in which entrepreneurship and 21st century global competitiveness skills are comprehensively embedded.
  5. Be a primary driver of economic competitiveness in northern Ohio and a leading contributor in the state.

  Proenza also said that, in addition to budget challenges, an increasingly competitive environment for higher education and universities can't continue to operate with an educational model that is more than 200-years-old. He said he believes that the university must try even harder to be to bring down academic silo walls and build connections--emphasizing UA's relevance, connectivity and productivity.

   

  Filed in: Speeches, Statements to the Community,


• Five Myths of Entrepreneurship (morning commencement address) 08/15/2009
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Challenging Fear (afternoon commencement address) 08/15/2009
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Universities and Their Regions: The Akron Model 06/03/2009
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Quarterly Letter to the Community 05/19/2009
  Filed in: Statements to the Community,


• Connecting the Dots (May 2009 Commencement Address #4, Sunday) 05/10/2009
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Graduation Advice (May 2009 Commencement Address #2, Saturday Morning) 05/09/2009
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The Six-word Story (May 2009 Commencement Address #3, Saturday Afternoon) 05/09/2009
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Fortunately, Accidents Do Happen (May 2009 Commencement Address #1, Friday) 05/08/2009
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Following Your Dream 12/13/2008
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Humor 12/13/2008
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The Challenge of Change: The Opportunity for Transformative Engagement 11/03/2008
  

  In this 2008 State of the University Address, Dr. Luis Proenza provides some perspectives of what has brought The University of Akron to this point in its history and about what its opportunities are. He begins with some highlights of the recent accomplishments that have so well positioned The University of Akron, then looks back into UA's history to capture the fact that it is an institution deeply rooted in its community; that it is the university in, of and for Akron. Finally, he looks ahead to the next four years and introduces a collaborative strategic planning process and vision that will guide the University toward achieving six ambitious goals during 2010-2020.

  Filed in: Speeches, Statements to the Community,


• The University as a Catalyst for Urban Revitalization 10/07/2008
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Capturing Your Competitive Future in a Global Economy 09/30/2008
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Science, Technology, and Economics 09/26/2008
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Challenges for the Future of Technology Transfer and Industrial/Academic Collaborative Research 08/19/2008
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Leaving Your Mark 08/16/2008
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Wear Sunscreen 08/16/2008
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Innovating on Innovation: The Research, Industrial and Scientific Bases for Discovery to Innovation 07/27/2008
  

  Dr. Proenza addresses Innovating on Innovation: The Research, Industrial and Scientific Bases for Discovery to Innovation first by sharing some perspectives on our innovation ecosystem and by looking at data on the global innovation marketplace, then turning to a series of specific topics, suggestions and examples of the innovation ecosystem. He uses three basic starting points for the major themes of his remarks:

  "First, innovation, or for that matter R&D, does not occur in splendid isolation.

  Second, the global distribution of research and development (R&D) investments varies in size, areas of emphasis, and productivity.

  And, third, that a global economy will increasingly require efficiencies in the utilization of R&D investments through cross-country public/private collaborations that leverage talent and resources and exhibit 'strategic intent' -- that is, a focused strategy that signals economic purpose."

  Filed in: Speeches,


• Be the Shift: Why America Needs Technology-savvy Entrepreneurs 06/18/2008
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Discovery and Innovation: Our Endless Frontier 06/16/2008
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Reflections on "The Last Lecture" 05/11/2008
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• May You Live in Interesting Times 05/10/2008
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The Common Good 12/15/2007
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The Stuff of Thought 12/15/2007
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Powering Economic Development: Challenges and Opportunities for the 21st Century University 11/05/2007
  Filed in: Speeches,


• 2007 State of the University Address 10/15/2007
  Filed in: Statements to the Community,


• Reflections on Living 08/25/2007
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Time 08/25/2007
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Creating Wealth Is the Honorable Thing to Do 05/13/2007
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The Improbability of You 05/12/2007
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• A Lesson in Practicality 05/12/2007
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The Challenge of Change in a Change-Resistant Environment 03/29/2007
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Scaling New Heights 12/16/2006
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• A Magical Place 12/16/2006
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Fall 2006 Convocation Address 10/09/2006
  Filed in: Statements to the Community,


• Parallel Universes 08/26/2006
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• A Sense of Community 08/26/2006
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The Big Picture 05/14/2006
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Oz 05/13/2006
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Dr. Seuss 05/13/2006
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Committee on Energy and Natural Resources U.S. Senate Hearing on S. 2197 02/15/2006
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Bridges 12/17/2005
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Woods Hole 12/17/2005
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Fall 2005 Convocation Address 09/27/2005
  Filed in: Statements to the Community,


• A Short Guide to a Happy Life 08/27/2005
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Infinity 08/27/2005
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Profiting From Obscurity 05/15/2005
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• It's Not Only a Game 05/14/2005
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Capturing Your Competitive Advantage 05/14/2005
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Creating the Future: Technology and the Shape of Things to Come 04/05/2005
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Life's Experiences 12/18/2004
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Hail the Innovators! 12/18/2004
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Fall 2004 Convocation Address 10/04/2004
  Filed in: Statements to the Community,


• Volunteerism 08/21/2004
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Create Wealth 08/21/2004
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• A Short History of Nearly Everything 05/09/2004
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The Proof Is In The Pudding 05/08/2004
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Eliminating Barriers 05/08/2004
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Joining the Mainstream 12/13/2003
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Stereotypes and Generalities 12/13/2003
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Powering the Third Frontier 10/21/2003
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Fall 2003 Convocation Address 09/23/2003
  Filed in: Statements to the Community,


• Testimony Before the Governor’s Commission on Higher Education and the Economy 09/10/2003
  Filed in: Statements to the Community,


• The Odds 08/23/2003
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The Fear Factor 08/23/2003
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The Places You Will Go 05/11/2003
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The American Spirit 05/10/2003
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• A Profile of Courage 05/10/2003
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The Great Divide: Fundamental Transitions in American Politics 12/14/2002
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• 21st Century Luddites 12/14/2002
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The New Research Economy -- Creating Strategic Intent Among International Partners 12/02/2002
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Capturing Your Competitive Future In A Global Economy 11/19/2002
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Capturing Your Competitive Future in a Global Economy 10/21/2002
  Filed in: Speeches,


• The University of Akron 10/14/2002
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Testimony Before House Select Committee on Higher Education 09/12/2002
  Filed in: Speeches,


• 2002 State of the University Address 09/04/2002
  Filed in: Statements to the Community,


• Manifest Absurdities 08/24/2002
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Connecting Two Worlds 08/24/2002
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Ideals and Realities 08/10/2002
  Filed in: Speeches,


• The Role of Higher Education in Economic Development 07/07/2002
  Filed in: Speeches,


• The Economic Power of an Idea: Capital 05/12/2002
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Ideals and Realities 05/11/2002
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Wear Sunscreen 05/11/2002
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• American Education: Why not our own Marshall Plan? 04/08/2002
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Remarks to the Faculty Senate 02/07/2002
  Filed in: Statements to the Community,


• Assessing Risk and Opportunity 12/15/2001
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The Melting Pot and its Discontents 12/15/2001
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The Fundamentals Are In Place 08/18/2001
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Navigational Tools For a Lifetime 08/18/2001
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Stretching to Success 05/13/2001
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Woods Hole and its Magic 05/12/2001
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The Power and Magic of a Driving Dream 05/12/2001
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Remember the Alamo! Reflections on the Americanization of a Mexican 04/03/2001
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Wow! 02/20/2001
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Economic Development in the Knowledge Economy: Can Ohio Start its Engines? 02/16/2001
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Letter to the Community: Accessibility of Higher Education 02/05/2001
  Filed in: Statements to the Community,


• The Challenges of Globalization 12/16/2000
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Everything Has Its Price! Some Reflections On Winning, Losing, Choice And Opportunity 12/16/2000
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• The Challenges of Global Change 11/06/2000
  


• Letter to the Community: Report Cards 09/15/2000
  Filed in: Statements to the Community,


• The Rankings Game 08/19/2000
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Groveling at the Altar of Opinion 08/19/2000
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Enabling the Common Good: Workforce & Technology Development 07/22/2000
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Voyages of Discovery 05/14/2000
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• A Voice of Experience: One Student's Success 05/13/2000
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Education and the Common Good 05/13/2000
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• To the Members of the University Community: 1999-2000 Academic Year 05/10/2000
  Filed in: Statements to the Community,


• Promises Made Should Be Promises Kept 05/01/2000
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Remaining Competitive in an Age of Global Change 02/04/2000
  Filed in: Speeches,


• The Last Class of the Millennium 12/18/1999
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Education as Infrastructure: Strategic Intent In Building Ohio's Future 12/16/1999
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Fall 1999 Convocation Address 09/09/1999
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Strategic Intent 08/21/1999
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Clusters and Collaborations in the New Research Economy -- Creating Strategic Intent Among Universities 07/27/1999
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Agents of Change 05/17/1999
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Choices and Ambiguity 05/16/1999
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• Sagan's Rules Of Life 05/16/1999
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses


• To the Members of the University Community: My First 100 Days 05/10/1999
  Filed in: Statements to the Community,


• Perspectives on Change 03/27/1999
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Education as Infrastructure 01/19/1999
  Filed in: Speeches,


• Greetings... 01/03/1999
  Filed in: Statements to the Community,


• Perspectives 12/18/1998
  Filed in: Commencement Addresses