Welcome back to the spring semester!

I hope that 2010 will be the first year in a decade of growth and success for you personally and for our university, our region, our state and nation.

As the 2009 year closed, I know many people were saying “good riddance” after a difficult year of state budget challenges and the resulting impacts on Fresno State.

However, I would like to remind our campus community that we all can remember and celebrate many successes our university achieved in 2009. Among them were the opening of the new Henry Madden Library, a national award for outstanding community service and a $29.4 million cash gift for the Campaign for Fresno State. Looking ahead, we’ll launch our Centennial celebration this spring.

Speaking of the library, it is gratifying to know that students are taking advantage of the many resources available in the beautiful building. I suggest you go to the library often in the next few weeks — you might be the millionth patron and receive a gift from Dean Peter McDonald and the staff!

In addition, you’re welcome to join a Happy Birthday Library party that will celebrate its first anniversary. Watch for the date and more information in The Collegian and on FresnoStateNews.com.

Our students continued to achieve during 2009.

One of my favorite areas — volunteer work — was recognized nationally with the Presidential Award for General Community Service. We were one of only three universities in the country to earn the distinction.
I am so proud of all of you who volunteer. Our efforts demonstrate Fresno State’s commitment to helping our region.

We have many, many positive things happening at our university. Unfortunately, these accomplishments are often overshadowed by the severe fiscal challenges that have become part of our daily lives on campus.

I thank all of you for your patience and understanding this past fall as we were forced to impose reductions in classes, services and our workforce. Fortunately, one-time federal funds to the California State University allowed us to reinstate some courses and faculty this spring.

As you may know, Gov. Schwarzenegger proposed to restore $305 million to the California State University’s 2010-11 budget, as well as provide an additional $60.6 million for enrollment growth. This proposal is a start to restore support for public higher education, but we have a long way to go, but as we plan for fall 2010 we cannot assume that the proposed dollars will be a reality.

Obviously, with the unveiling of the governor’s budget proposal, we know that California will continue to face major impacts because of a $19.9 billion deficit.

I know that some people are questioning whether Fresno State and the CSU are fighting hard enough for the financial needs of our system. I can assure you that work is being done every day to advocate for our system. Our message is that the state needs to renew its investment in higher education. I hope you’ll echo this message in calls and letters to your elected representatives in Sacramento to insist that they work to restore and enhance the funding that the CSU needs to serve the students of California.

As we start the new semester, I wish each of you the best in your academic pursuits and I urge you to take advantage of every opportunity available at Fresno State to reach your goals.