President Mary Sue Coleman encouraged the incoming freshman class to see their U-M experience as a ticket to creative thinking, diverse perspectives, unique personalities and discovery, in her remarks at the New Student Convocation Sept. 2 at Crisler Arena.

“Michigan students through the generations have come to campus full of enthusiasm, apprehension, confidence and questions. Some have famous names, such as Gerald Ford, Gilda Radner, James Earl Jones and Clarence Darrow. Others have famous accomplishments, such as the iPod, Google, JetBlue and ‘The Polar Express,’” she said.

“I arrived at college knowing I wanted to be a scientist. But I also loved art, and elected every year to include independent study in metalsmithing and design,” Coleman said. “I have always valued that experience, because it helps me see the world through a different lens. And that is our aspiration for you as our newest students: that you develop the intellectual skills to see today’s world from different vantage points.”

The incoming freshman class brings with it a diversity of experience and backgrounds, said Ted Spencer, director of admissions. Freshmen students are from 1,900 different high schools, all 50 states and almost 70 countries. And U-M received a record number of applications, nearly 32,000, for some 6,000-plus freshmen spaces.

The largest number of international applications came from China, India, Singapore, Canada and Korea, Spencer said. He said an evaluation of application materials — including transcripts, letters of recommendation and more — revealed that many new students like attending sporting events; have served in student government; have received awards for athletics, community service and volunteerism; play a musical instrument; published poems, stories or essays; and some have started their own businesses.

The average high school GPA for this year’s class is 3.8, Spencer said, adding 13 percent of the class achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA, and 30 percent had an ACT composite score between 31 and 36 — achieved by only 4 percent of students nationwide.

In her convocation address, Coleman encouraged the students to attend Artscapade at the U-M Museum of Art following the event, as an exercise in how to maximize their time at the university. She also suggested that they see the current James McNeill Whistler exhibit.

“You know him, of course, for the famous painting of his mother. But Whistler was about far more. These remarkable etchings are gateways to new places, and by studying them, your mind will move far beyond the gallery walls,” she said.

“Look at Whistler’s etchings of life along the River Thames, and your thoughts may divert to British literature, or the biology of water, or the technology of shipping and commerce. Stare at his sketches of bridges and balconies, and your focus shifts to the beauty of architecture or the mechanics of engineering. His portrayals of ramshackle houses and beggars in doorways may motivate you to do community service, or to better understand poverty, disease and homelessness,” she continued.

To motivate students to take part in myriad opportunities available at U-M, Provost Phil Hanlon encouraged new students to participate in research, clinical care and public service initiatives, which are integrated in student learning, and offered examples.

“I’ll start with a story about national championships — three of them in a row in fact. This impressive record of national championships belongs to the university’s solar car team. In June they won the American Solar Challenge for the third consecutive time and the sixth time overall.” Hanlon said.

“Like most championships, this one was the result of extensive and effective teamwork. Close to 200 students are part of the solar car team. They come from schools and colleges across the campus, including art and design, business, engineering, education, and LSA.”

In a second example, Hanlon said a student/faculty team spent the past summer in Ghana looking at maternal and child health care delivery. “The team was there for four weeks seeking to identify problems that could be addressed through the creation of new biomedical devices. Back in Ann Arbor this fall, they’ll design and build devices like portable examination equipment that can be used in rural health centers,” he said.

Hanlon said about 1,400 freshmen each year are part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program and about 3,500 students annually participate in service learning courses.

“As a student, you are invited to join this community of scholars and will be given breathtaking opportunities to do so. My advice is to grab them,” Hanlon said.

“Involve yourself in cutting edge research or service or entrepreneurial activities. Meet our award-winning world-class faculty. Make these part of your learning experience.”