'Sophomore' year will deliver added success

When Patty and I arrived at Purdue a year ago, we knew this was a great University. After spending a year here, we have gained even more respect for the people of this institution and all that they have accomplished.

We thank everyone who has made our arrival and "freshman" year so enjoyable. We have been warmly accepted into the community and into the Purdue family and are extremely pleased to be here. This past year has been among the great experiences of our lives and also among the busiest times of our lives.

I have given more than 250 formal speeches since I arrived. I have met with students, faculty, staff alumni and friends of the University. I have met with people from the Greater Lafayette community in an effort to further expand the dialogue between town and gown.

I feel I have developed a greater understanding of what makes Purdue tick. I realize the incredible sense of pride that exists here. I also realize that Purdue wants to be even greater and that excites me.

My arrival at Purdue set the stage for an ideal time to re-evaluate what this University is and what we want it to be. The magnificent leadership of my predecessor, Dr. Steven Beering, and the Board of Trustees raised Purdue to new heights. It is now my job, with the help of hundreds and thousands of others, to take it even higher.

Whatever we do will always have the students first and foremost in our minds. Teaching is our most important responsibility as an institution of higher learning and we won't lose sight of that.

Personally, I love teaching. That's what got me into this job. Some of my most enjoyable moments last year came in the classroom setting during my weekly Presidential Leadership Class, which will continue this year.

Something else I feel very good about and which will make Purdue a better place in the future involves the hiring of top people in important positions. In almost every instance last year, we hired our top choice. That tells me something very special is going on at Purdue and in this community. People visit here and want to be a part of it.

We also had great success in the area of fund raising and sponsored programs, setting records in both areas. Our development team raised an incredible $171 million in gifts to the University, nearly doubling our results of the previous year, while our faculty brought in an all-time high $190 million in sponsored program funds. This sets the stage for higher goals this year.

Since I'm also a big sports fan, the accomplishments of our student athletes last year were a tremendous joy. Although the football team's trip to the Rose Bowl and the women's basketball team's participation in the NCAA championship game were highlights, the academic achievements of our athletes were equally impressive. Eight were chosen as Academic All-Americans, 41 earned 4.0 grade point averages last semester and collectively the 450 athletes posted a 2.93 GPA, ahead of the student body average of 2.88.

As you look around campus, you'll see changes going on almost everywhere. This summer there are 49 active construction contracts on the West Lafayette campus, totaling more than $69 million. And there is much more to come.

So, welcome back.

While I feel my "freshman" year at Purdue was a great learning experience and one of terrific accomplishments, I'm now ready to become a "sophomore" and to make it an even greater year than the last. I wish the same for you.

Martin C. Jischke

President

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