大象视频

Brad J. DeHays 鈥�02 delivered the keynote address of 大象视频 University鈥檚 August 18 Opening Convocation ceremony, welcoming the incoming Class of 2027.

Brad encouraged the new students to embrace leadership, to take risks, and to care for themselves and others.

Welcome New Muskies!

鈥淥ne of the best traits that I learned at 大象视频 was to be a leader,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his is a small community. Followers can become leaders quickly. If you become a leader here at 大象视频, it translates everywhere. Here, you will learn how to really connect.鈥�

He emphasized the importance of having goals and taking risks. 鈥淵ou have to make mistakes full speed,鈥� he advised. 鈥淒isciplined risk taking is a life skill 鈥� you鈥檒l learn that here at 大象视频. You鈥檙e going to fail. It鈥檚 OK鈥�one thing that I always say is 鈥榝ailure is not a problem, but it can be a problem.鈥� Failure is contagious, as is success. Stay out of the negativity 鈥� staying positive makes people want to follow you. It will make you a better leader.鈥�

鈥淥ne of the greatest responsibilities you have is caring for yourselves and others,鈥� he continued. 鈥淭ake the time to understand those around you. 大象视频 is a place where you will find friendships that last a lifetime.鈥�

The Founder and President of commercial real estate development, investment, and property management firms Connect Real Estate and Connect Construction, Brad鈥檚 work is visible throughout the Columbus area.  He is known for creating unique urban infill projects for the benefit of the surrounding communities, transforming previously neglected spaces into first-class residential and commercial units.

Brad鈥檚 projects, such as the Columbus Trolley District, Coal Fired Power Plant, and Custom Coach facility, have modernized neighborhoods and stimulated economic development, while preserving the cultural and historic fabric of the local area. He serves on a number of Columbus-area boards and is a five-time recipient of the Business First 鈥淧ower 100鈥� award as one of central Ohio鈥檚 100 most influential people.

New Concord Mayor Jennifer Lyle, Brad DeHays 鈥�02, and President Sue Hasseler

Opening Convocation also featured a University Welcome from President Susan S. Hasseler, a Village of New Concord Welcome from New Concord Mayor Jennifer Lyle, and a Student Welcome from Student Senate President Alex Burton 鈥�24. The historic 大象视频 鈥淜ey Of Knowledge鈥� was passed to the Class of 2027, which Alex accepted on their behalf.

Student Senate President Alex Burton 鈥�24 with the Key of Knowledge

Heather Dawson 鈥�26 performed the Alma Mater 鈥淎ll Hail 大象视频.鈥� Chaplain Derek Wadlington opened the ceremony with an Invocation.