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As we watched the green leaves on campus transform into the reds, browns, and golds of autumn, we found that we were still confronted with an unchanged and complex economic situation in this country that presents special challenges to the world of higher education.
The start of another academic year, our 189th, finds the University of the Sciences’ community coping with this reality by implementing many concerted strategies for moving the University forward. One of the most critical of these strategies relates to enrollment management and our ability to enhance our recruitment efforts, strengthen our retention programs, expand our educational offerings, and maximize our ability to sustain our financial strength. We are developing the specific components of a complex approach that will achieve these outcomes at the same time that we continue to hone our internal effectiveness and improve our marketing and outreach.
While we engage our long-term vision, we are also adapting to the immediacy of other external forces. As an institution focused on healthcare, the issue of H1N1 has presented a very compelling study. While we have become a resource of information for the public, we continue to implement the necessary programs for protecting our internal community. Contact with the CDC as well as state and local agencies has ensured that we are following the best practices. We have been communicating frequently to all and are marshalling our internal resources as we plan to provide the appropriate services and treatments that are needed and available.
Another outside force that came to bear on us was the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania budget stalemate. While my hopes of a resolution were realized, our students on state-funded grant programs were under financial distress. We did everything in our power to alleviate their financial issues so they could concentrate on their studies and research. You have helped, too, through your annual giving efforts.
As evidenced by the generosity outlined in the pages of this publication, many of you have responded to the call for donations to support more or create new scholarships. We know that you recognize how vital this is to our students, and we greatly appreciate your efforts in this regard. It is clear that we enjoy a committed base of supporters in our alumni and friends. Our goal for this year is to engage even more individuals so that we can continue to provide a backstop for our students and their families.
With your continued support, I look forward to a wonderful year and providing the best for our community while fulfilling the vision for the University.
Sincerely,
PHILIP P. GERBINO
P’69, PharmD’70
President
