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Spring 2009 Greetings to Many of you have heard the budget news coming out of WSU -- that we’re facing the biggest reductions ever for both the university and for the These budget cuts are part of a continuing trend away from state support and towards self-sufficiency in higher education. We are being called to significantly change the paradigm of how we operate and are funded. Public/private partnerships are how state universities will be sustained and grow into the future. As you are also aware, education in engineering, computer science, and architecture has and continues to change lives. The major technological developments during the last 150 years have most often come from engineers. The opportunities we enjoy and our high standard of living come directly from many of our engineering and architectural innovations. As for the future, the next innovations in energy, the power grid, sustainable design, health care, and environmental research will most likely come from faculty and students who come out of the disciplines represented in our college. At the same time, education in our college changes lives at the personal level. How has or will your education change your life? Please take a look at some of the wonderful educational initiatives featured in this month’s College e-newsletter. These stories thrive from a public/private partnership, and they are changing lives. The Boeing Scholars program provides support for underrepresented students in engineering and business and brings them together in a real-life way to solve problems for the company. The Ecowell project and its potential company come out of the Harold Frank Engineering Entrepreneurship Institute. Started with support from Harold Frank, the program brings students together from a variety of disciplines to learn the skills needed to develop a product and bring it to the marketplace. Our student clubs are an essential part of the education of many of our students. I hope you’ll enjoy reading about the thoughtful gift of solar arrays from Peter Wiseman, one of our alums, and Lockheed-Martin Corporation to the Solar Splash student club. The public/private partnership is critical in attracting faculty, top quality undergraduate and graduate students, and research. Attracting and retaining our world-class faculty is the key to sustaining the highest quality undergraduate and graduate programs. Providing research support to faculty in the forms of salaries, infrastructure, and matching dollars for research funding will maintain and expand our academic credibility and expertise. Thanks to all of you who sent supportive comments and concerns about the budget cuts and their effects on students, faculty, and staff. Please contact me with any specific questions you may have on the budget. As always, please feel free to contact me or drop by when you’re visiting WSU. Sincerely, Candis Claiborn
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