Westminster College President Dr. Benjamin Ola Akande gave the "I Believe in You," Blue Jay Spirit Address on Monday, Oct. 26 to set the stage for a week of activities leading up to his inauguration, which is to be held Saturday, Oct. 31. The following is an excerpt of his presentation that reflects on what he learned in coming to a new country and how it shapes his vision for the future of the college:
My American journey began on a rainy Thursday night of August 24, 1979. As the Pan Am Boeing 747 approached the John F. Kennedy airport, pictures tumbled through my mind - New York City, the Big Apple, the United States of America. ...
Before coming to America from Nigeria, my perception of America was formed from watching American television: "The Love Boat," "The Jeffersons," "Sesame Street." I could smell the good ol' American cheeseburgers with everything on it, French fries, and that ever-addictive American libation - chocolate milkshake. ...
In my American journey, I met ordinary people who are battling against unimaginable odds; young men and women fighting incurable medical conditions, friends facing physical and mental adversity; and many more dealing with unbelievable economic challenges; yet they refuse to give in, they persevere, unwilling to relent and determined to succeed against all odds.
My journey has taken me to 47 states in my quest to gain a greater understanding of America. The visitor in me saw the awesome and overwhelming beauty and power of America. The student in me saw a nation still grappling with the power of, and a reluctant appreciation for, the greatest heritage America possesses - diversity.
My quest to know more about the technological and engineering accomplishments of America took me to Orlando, Florida, where I witnessed mind-boggling scientific and technological achievements at Disney World. ...
I was (also) impressed with the vision and creativity of the American icon Walt Disney, who took a pest, a nuisance to so many people around the world and turned it into a lovable, respectable, kid-loving, billion-dollar icon. And, when you inquire from the folks at Disney what business they are in, their response is equally impressive: "we are in the happiness business."
At the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, FL, I witnessed the conception of a dream, its lofty delivery from a simple but delicate physics of a bird in flight to the extra-terrestrial marvel of Neil Armstrong, who took one small step for himself and a giant leap for mankind. I gained a new appreciation for the creativity that is unique to America.
America has taught me that the true test for success is not how many times you succeed but how quickly you get up when you fall. In times of crisis, it's easy to point fingers; it's simpler to find sacrificial lambs. But allow me to suggest to you this afternoon, leaders don't grow on trees, you have to nurture, develop and prepare them. Good leaders don't grow wary of crisis. They don't get tired of being brave because they recognize that more success awaits them the day after failure. In my American journey, I have come to appreciate that failure is just real time feedback.
One thing is crystal clear from my American journey - it is the realization that it's not so much where we are that matters, but in what direction we are going. And that is why I remain hopelessly optimistic about the future of America. That is why I believe that Westminster's best days are ahead of us. ...
The inauguration of Dr. Benjamin Ola Akande as the 21st President of Westminster College will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, in Champ Auditorium on the Fulton campus.