What follows is an excerpt from the convocation speech last Friday by NKU President Geoffrey Mearns at the university. In this part of his speech, Mearns recalled one stop on the state-wide “Road to NKU” tour that is designed to increase awareness of the university among middle school and high school students:
“During the visit to Lee County, there were two young students sitting in the last row…The two young girls are Jenna Dunaway and Kennedy Lambert.
“After my presentation, Jenna raised her hand, and Melissa (Gorbandt, an NKU staff member) called on her pretty quickly.
“But Kennedy had her hand up for a long time. So, eventually, I called on her. And here’s what she asked: “So, if we go to your college, does that mean we can go to Cincinnati?”
“And I said, “Yes, if you come to NKU, you can go to Cincinnati.”
“Then Kennedy leaned over to Jenna and said, “If we go there, we can go to Cincinnati!”
“I was so impressed with their enthusiasm that I decided that they shouldn’t have to wait five or six years to come to tour campus, to see our community, and to visit Cincinnati. So, with the help of some of our friends, I am pleased to tell you that Jenna and Kennedy are here with us today. Also with them is Dr. Jim Evans, the superintendent of Lee County Schools.
“Jenna and Kennedy, please come up here with me for just a moment.
“Now, you know that, after this program is over, you and your mothers are going on a tour of our campus. And you’re going to stop into our campus bookstore. Our friends at Barnes and Noble have a gift for each of you.
“After lunch, you’re going to visit the Newport Aquarium. Alison Ruebusch, an NKU graduate, has arranged a great tour for you.
“Then, tonight, we have a big surprise for you. Another NKU graduate, Todd Duesing, has provided us with tickets for you to go to the Aronoff Center to see “Cinderella.” You’re going to Cincinnati!
“Jenna and Kennedy, have a great time. Thank you for joining us today.”