With most members just beginning to settle into campus life, Ashesi’s Class of 2016 looked cheerful and excited as they came together at the University’s Archer Cornfield Courtyard for the annual President’s address to freshmen.
Speaking to the freshmen, President Patrick Awuah shared personal stories of growing up in Ghana, his college days and how it all came together in his life’s work. Patrick also shared a brief history of Ashesi, and explained to the class why it was important that they have self-belief.
“Some people say it is audacious for a small group of people to say they are going to transform a continent,” Patrick told the class. “Some may even say it is arrogant. But I believe it is necessary. Africa needs us to think differently.”
“To have ambition, is not to dream about driving a Bentley. That is low-ambition. But to aspire to transforming a continent and changing the world? That is real ambition.”
It was the first time that the entire class was meeting the President, and several of them engaged Patrick in questions ranging from how Ashesi’s funded its facilities to how Ashesi’s team stayed inspired.
“A few people supported Ashesi initially, not just because they believed in Ashesi, but because they believed in me and trusted me,” Patrick said. “But through our history, a lot more people have supported Ashesi because they see proof of our effort. And if we are going to grow, you must all continue to add to this legacy. We must seek to be a more excellent institution.”
On describing the Ashesi learning experience, Patrick told the class, “You must come to appreciate that at Ashesi, a lot of the learning happens outside the classroom, and you must engage with it.”
“If I have to summarise my message to you as you begin here at Ashesi in a few words, I would say: be humble, be ambitious.”