The students of UNF have adopted a new creed that clearly states the values they hold dear and those they strive to achieve.
Student Government leaders adopted the creed in the hopes that all students will embrace and embody it and all for which it stands — and that it will be incorporated into every student-related activity including sporting events, convocations and student orientation.
The creed’s author, UNF senior Christopher Warren, said it was developed as an offshoot of the Fly Far, Fly Fast and Fly Hard awards Student Government gives to the very best of the best Ospreys during UNF’s annual Week of Welcome.
The creed’s secondary purpose is to promote school spirit and Osprey pride. Nationwide, universities have adopted creeds that successfully encourage school spirit, community interest and a more enjoyable experience for students, faculty and staff. Creeds also help promote unity among students and a sense of common purpose.
“I wanted the creed to state what we value, what we stand for and what we believe in our hearts,” Warren said. “I want it to band us together and make us greater than the sum of our parts. I believe the creed does just that.”
The UNF Board of Trustees adopted the creed and encourages displaying of the words. Warren said he believes the incorporation of the creed across campus will help students embrace it and eventually weave it into the culture and traditions of the campus. Its omnipresence can only have a positive effect and will help students come together as a whole.
The creed states:
I AM THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA.
I am loyal to the Nest without reservation.
I am selfless in my effort to advance its values.
I am relentless in the pursuit of truth and knowledge carried out in the spirit of intellectual and artistic freedom.
I am one who wears the colors of the Osprey proudly.
I am wearing them on my chest and in my heart, on and off the playing field with confidence and vigor.
I am filled with courage and dare to soar.
I am an Osprey flying far, fast, and hard.
- Christopher Warren, 2010
