ROMÂNĂ 
ENGLISH VERSION 
Mă bucur să vă văd pe toți!
I welcome you all to the Opening Day Ceremony of 2024-25 academic year. My name is Dr. Steve O. Michael and I have the pleasure of serving as the Rector and CEO of Danubius University. To our new students, thank you for choosing Danubius International University to receive your education and thanks to our returning students for continuing your education with us.
Before I proceed, I would like to take a minute to recognize leadership team on campus: Dr. Filip Stanciu is the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs; Dr. Alina Raileanu is the Vice Rector for Administration; Dr. Doinita Popa, Director of DPPD; Dr. Alina Nuta, Director of Distance Education; Dr. Gorgetta Modiga, President of the Senate. You will meet the deans later.
Opening Day ceremonies have two purposes. The first purpose is to welcome you to the campus because you are the reason why we are here. Second, we use the event to kick start the academic year with orientation that should facilitate a smooth transition for you. By joining this university, you have placed your trust in us to help fulfill your expectations, which include the realization of your dream, personal growth, professional advancement, quality education, preparation for leadership, and fun and pleasure of being a student. Although, I have spent countless of time giving speeches at opening day ceremonies, every event is special and today is no exception.
Our highest priority at Danubius University is and must be student success. As a private institution, we have the privilege to do things better and that include responding to your needs promptly, checking on you if you miss several classes, advising you if you are falling behind with your grades, ensuring you complete your program on time, providing opportunities for you to engage in a short study abroad, and providing opportunities for you to exercise your leadership talents.
I would like you to show by raising your hands, if University is able to give you money during this year for you to travel to another country as part of your education, how many of you would seize this opportunity?
I believe it is your desire to be successful. Your path to success starts today. You must do your part so that the University can do its own. Attendance in classes, completion of assignments on time, studying ahead of exams, interacting with your professors and peers are all part of the recipe for success. Know that heaven only helps those who help themselves.
It is my hope that even as you study hard, you will find time to have fun. My undergraduate and graduate days were some of the best times of my life. I didn't know that then, but now I do. Enjoy your study and appreciate your growth. Take time to volunteer and spend time on campus. By the way, I would like to challenge you. I do play Ping Pong or Table Tennis and if any student wants to challenge me, I will pay you in dollars with a T-shirt if you beat me. Every time you beat me, you get a dollar. You will get a tee-shirt that says, “I Beat Rector Michael of Danubius International University.” Come to the campus and I will play with you.
Vă mulțumesc și Dumnezeu să vă binecuvânteze în studiile voastre!
