Examples of success abound
January 9th, 2010Welcome back to campus for the first quarter of a new year and a new decade. I know I'm only six months into this job and still have much to learn, but I am very optimistic about the future of this institution. The new decade brings hope and promise precisely because of the dedication and excellence of my colleagues across the university.
There are challenges ahead to be sure, many of which are rooted in places far away, but I am encouraged by what I see close at hand -- on this campus. Examples of our success abound. Professor Michael Posner was awarded the National Medal of Science this fall. UO physics student Tamela Maciel received a prestigious Marshall Scholarship. The UO football team had a remarkable season, which led to our first Rose Bowl appearance in 15 years. And, just this week, we celebrated the opening of the John E. Jaqua Academic Center for Student Athletes.
The football team's successful year, in addition to being exciting, showed us all what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication, and by never giving up. The Jaqua Center is a stunning new jewel on our quickly changing east campus gateway that will help ensure that our student athletes are students first. It is a unique facility, designed with passion and vision that speaks to our commitment to academic excellence for all of our students.
These are just a few of the most recent examples that feed my optimism, and there are many more we will be talking about in the coming months - such as the ever-increasing recognition of the scholarship of our students and faculty, and the steadily building momentum of our technology transfer and licensing programs.
My hope, promise, and optimism for the new decade is because of all of the students, faculty, and staff I've met, and because of the many wonderful partners we have in this community and across the state. We are going to make a difference. Now, let's get to work.
