SFSU Magazine Spring/Summer '04: President's Message


The cover of the spring/summer 2004 Issue of SFSU Magazine

 

SFSU Magazine Online, Spring/Summer 2004, Volume 4, Number 1.

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 SFSU President Robert Corrigan

A Message from President Corrigan

This issue of SFSU Magazine provides a snapshot of what life has been like on campus during the last year. Of necessity, much campus-wide energy was focused on dealing with budget cuts of unprecedented magnitude for us. Nonetheless, we did not allow the budget to usurp our energy, positive spirit and forward momentum. This issue’s feature on the revival of musical theater at SFSU, with a stunning production of "Assassins," testifies to the cooperative spirit and talent of Creative Arts students and faculty. The interviews with several exciting science faculty provide a personal glimpse of people who are doing very significant work here while infusing their students with their own love of science. The account of the J. Paul Leonard Library’s upcoming "Extreme Makeover" demonstrates that we are forging ahead to ensure that future generations of SFSU students and faculty will be able to draw on a splendid academic resource.

Much more in this issue reminds us all of how vital a place San Francisco State University is and how much it -- and its alumni -- contribute to our region, state and nation.

A final word about the budget -- not about the numbers, but about the human side of budget reduction. Throughout the year, we made deliberate efforts to keep this anxiety-provoking process open, candid and broadly consultative. We held Town Hall meetings to encourage a two-way flow of information and views. We asked the College deans to work with their faculty to decide how they would make cuts in their own areas. I sent almost monthly e-mail budget updates to faculty, staff and students. We involved the Academic Senate, the Commission on University Strategic Planning, Associated Students, the University Budget Committee and a host of other groups. We said at the outset that in addition to preserving the academic program and student access, our major goal was maintaining a positive working environment for all on campus. I believe that we have succeeded, and that we will enter the new academic year with confidence and a strong sense of community.

Sincerely yours,

President's Signature
   
Robert A. Corrigan
President