President's Corner

By
Willie D. Larkin, Ph.D.
President

The holiday season is a great time of the year, but let us not forget the real purpose of this magnificent holiday season and Christmas time. Of the 12 months of the year, October, November, and December are my favorites.

I love the month of October, because it is the month of my birthday, a celebration that I have enjoyed for 66 wonderful years. On each birthday, I stop to thank God for another year of life. Like the faithful rising sun of each new day, I always take a moment to reflect on my accomplishments throughout the year. I think that everyone should take the opportunity, at least once a year, to assess how much they are contributing to the world becoming a better place. If you have read previous articles, you know that I am fond of the saying, “We should do no harm.” That phrase resonates for me every day when it comes to being a good citizen in the community.

November is the month that we, as a nation, a community and a family, celebrate the season of Thanksgiving. The month of November is special, because it allows us to think more about others than we do about ourselves. It is the time of year when we are thankful for our blessings, and we take pride and solace in helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves. For those that read the scripture, it says, “To whom much is given, much is required.”

To me, the month of December is the most sacred and important month of all. Many people think of December as a time to give and receive gifts. Yet, that is not the true meaning of this month. For those who choose to follow the Christian faith, December is the pinnacle month, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As Christians, the birth of Christ is the foundation for everything that we do. Each time I stop and reflect on Grambling’s existence and my journey to becoming the ninth president of this venerable institution, I know that there was a spiritual calling that steered me in the direction of this hallowed ground of learning. Now that I am here, my goal is to give everything I can to make sure that we all succeed, regardless of one’s faith, belief system, gender, sexual orientation or race.

In closing, while attending church this past Sunday, I got drenched in the falling rain. Uncharacteristically and through a bit of levity, I complained about all of the rain in Grambling since my arrival. Well, an individual who graduated from Grambling some 50 years ago heard me complaining and had an interesting response to my observation.

To paraphrase her, she said, “The raindrops are tears coming down from heaven, from the late Charles P. Adams, president, Coach Rob, Collie J. Nicholson, and other legendary and iconic figures who are sad that Grambling State University has not continued to fight for her purpose with excellence, pride and dignity. The university was founded on these principles.”

In listening and looking upon this humble but vocal alumnus, I promised her that I would work feverishly to rekindle and to revive the ideals that our forefathers and foremothers put into this hallowed place called Grambling State University. Please join me in honoring their memory and legacy.

May God Bless America, Louisiana, and especially Grambling State University and all of her people! Believe and hope that good things can happen. Remember that dreams do come true when you help them to help you!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas
from
Grambling State University
President Willie D. and Dr. Vivian Larkin