Dear Students,
This week, David Paterson takes the oath of office as New York's 55th Governor. In his visits to UB, and throughout his career in the New York State Senate, Governor Paterson has shown a great interest in our university, in SUNY, and in issues of public higher education. I look forward to working with him to promote UB 2020 and our collective aspirations for the Buffalo Niagara region.
Through UB 2020, the University at Buffalo has charted an ambitious vision to become even more one of the nation's very best public research universities. All of us members of the UB community understand that the role UB 2020 plays is not only strengthening our University, but also contributing to the economic revitalization of Western New York. In order to be competitive in the global economy, New York must continue to support its public institutions of higher education.
Over the past four years, and especially since the launch of the UB Believers effort last summer, UB 2020 has progressed from being a plan for our University's future to become something much larger than that. Not only has UB 2020 become our new institutional culture here at UB, it also has become a regional initiative that enjoys broad support by our community, our business leaders, the Western New York Legislative Delegation, and a broad array of other officials in Albany. Current changes in the executive leadership of New York State do not change our vision or our plans.
From the start, we knew that for our collective aspirations to succeed, UB had to begin with change right here on campus. Our efforts to support our areas of greatest academic strength, to transform our operations, and to build a model university for the twenty-first century have taken root, and have made measurable progress.
We also have been clear that for UB 2020 to be sustainable over the long run, UB needs strong and stable state support, wise public policies, and the continued vision and generosity of our donors. Along with our local elected officials, we will work to ensure that a strong public education system, one that is so very critical to New York's future economic health and competitiveness, stays high on the agenda.
I welcome your input and engagement as we begin our work with the new Governor and his administration. As UB students, you are a critical part of our University's future success, and the best ambassadors we have for carrying UB's message beyond our walls.
If you are not already on board, you can sign up and stay informed at ubbelievers.buffalo.edu. And continue to do the great work that you do everyday, on and off campus, as UB students!
Sincerely,
John B. Simpson
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
