Welcome back! The beginning of the fall semester is always an exciting
time. The faculty and staff have been busily preparing for the2004-2005
academic year. We have new faculty, new classes, new students, and soon
even a few new majors. We are all confident that this year will be
another big step forward in the growth of the University.The complete reconstruction of the outdoor plaza of the Arnold Bernhard
Center now presents a welcoming environment for receptions, events, and
exhibitions. We have also begun replacing sidewalks where most needed –
such as at the entrance to the Hubbell Gym and the College of
Chiropractic.
The Board of Trustees has decided that, because of our tight budget,
most campus renovation projects will be financed by special gifts, or
funds raised for a particular purpose. One wonderful alumnus
contributed the funds this summer to landscape the circle in the middle
of the Ped Mall, and a generous trustee underwrote the cost of the
renovation of the Bernhard Center Plaza – over $100,000. Supporters of
our athletic teams raised the funds to renovate two more locker rooms,
for men’s and women’s basketball. Of course, a great deal remains to
be done, but you can depend on our commitment to keep moving forward,
step by step, until the entire campus has been transformed.
UB has three simple goals. The first, and most important, is to pursue
academic excellence. We have a distinguished faculty with a long record
of achievement in nurturing students, and many of our 55,000 living
alumni have become leaders in their fields. We urge you, as the newest
members of the UB community, to take advantage of the opportunities
presented to you. You will soon be joining the ranks of proud graduates
whose successful careers were formed based on their studies and
internships during their years at UB.
Our second goal is to help you become global citizens. In an
increasingly interconnected world, the intercultural and international
diversity at UB can be an important advantage to you. At UB each person
is equally welcome and respected. It may take some effort to reach out
and learn to understand those with backgrounds different from your own,
but the rewards will be great. Here at UB, respecting diversity does not
imply endorsement; with our many differences, we sometimes have to
“agree to disagree.” But we believe that if all the people of the world
had this “UB experience,” many conflicts could probably be avoided.
Your becoming a global citizen will be one of the most important
benefits of your time here.
Our third goal is to stimulate a lifelong commitment to service — in
your professions, in your communities, and ultimately in the world. You
undoubtedly have many goals you hope to achieve for yourself
academically, professionally, and personally. There is also a dimension
of life that can only be realized by making an investment in the world
around you. Bridgeport, the largest city in the State of Connecticut,
reflects the economic distress of many urban centers throughout the
world, giving us all an opportunity to learn how to effectively help
others – tutoring in the schools, coaching the nearby youth athletic
teams, or working on community service projects. The benefits will last
you a lifetime, and your practical experiences will shape the way you
view challenges in your life.
As we begin another year here at UB, I ask you to make the most of your
opportunities. Please call upon any of us whenever you need assistance
or support. Together, we will be raising the standard of UB ever
higher, year by year.
Neil Albert Salonen
President