October 18, 2007

Dear SIUC Faculty and Staff:

I didn't really think about it at the time, but October 8th marked my 100th day as chancellor at SIUC.  I've learned a lot about SIUC since July 1, my first day on the job, and I've had the pleasure to get to know many of you.  I was well aware of the quality of SIUC's faculty, students and staff before I came here.  Now, with the benefit of some first hand experience, I am quickly learning why our University is held in such high esteem.

First of all, I would like to point out that this semester's on-campus freshman class is the largest we've had in 17 years.  My thanks to all of you who worked hard to reverse the declining enrollments we have experienced in recent years. 

Meanwhile, our capital campaign, Opportunity Through Excellence, has secured pledges of approximately $82 million with a little less than a year to reach or exceed our goal of $100 million.

The SIU School of Medicine has been reaccredited and we wish to congratulate Dean Kevin Dorsey, his faculty, staff and students for this notable achievement.

Our School of Music's Wind Ensemble will play at New York's Carnegie Hall in March.  It is the first time in school history that a student musical group will perform in the world-famous building.  The SIUC group is one of two showcase ensembles that will appear at the New York Band and Orchestra Festival.  The other is from England.  The SIUC group, which consists of 34 students and seven faculty members, is led by assistant professor Christopher Morehouse.

The work of some students in our fashion design program attracted quite a bit of attention at a recent competition in St. Charles, Mo.  Emily Harris, Erica Hollinshead Stead, Rina Park and Feng "Vicky" Li, all seniors majoring in fashion design and merchandising, "pretty much swept the competition," according to Harris.  Their work claimed first place in evening wear, art to wear, day wear and the President's Prize for Best in Show.  Students from 21 states took part in the event.  Congratulations to the students and associate professor Laura Kidd. 

Here's more evidence that our faculty and staff are well respected by their peers:

Gary Minish, dean of our College of Agricultural Sciences, will serve as president of the American Association of State Colleges of Agriculture and Renewable Resources in the next year. He was elected October 2 during the group's annual meeting in Fort Hays, Kansas.  Minish also continues to serve as association representative to the National Association of State University and Land Grant Colleges.

Governor Rod Blagojevich has appointed Mythili Rundblad, coordinator of Student Development at SIUC, to the Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service.  The board coordinates the Illinois' Promise program, administers programs funded by the Corporation for National Service and provides support for volunteerism.

I hope you were able to participate in some of the activities held during Homecoming Weekend.  NASA astronaut and SIUC alumna Joan Higginbotham was the grand marshal of the Homecoming parade.  She also spent quite a bit a time with various campus groups and the public during her three-day visit to SIUC.

The new Wall & Grand Apartment complex on the east side of campus was officially dedicated during Homecoming weekend.  The complex, which houses about 400 students and staff, was designed with the help of our students and was constructed with academic support in mind.  It really is quite impressive. 

This weekend is Family Weekend at SIUC.  It’s a great way for us to show off our cultural and sporting events, our beautiful campus and our Saluki spirit.  Thanks to all who make these events so successful.

About two months ago, the College of Business and Administration posted its new promotional video on YouTube. Since then, the piece has been viewed more than 2,000 times.  The video highlights the College of Business’ student-centered learning environment, top-notch academic offerings, technology, global reach and innovative spirit.  Dean Dennis Cradit placed the video on YouTube to reach students through a medium they use frequently.  Take a look at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12V4KA8FOE0.

Congratulations to our Radio-Television Department, which celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this month.  The department hosted a number of special events, most of which were directed at our students.  CNN senior European correspondent and RT alumni Jim Bitterman was on hand to help with the celebration.

SIUC made the "100 Best Colleges" list as published by CosmoGirl magazine in its October 2007  issue and online. It is the first time SIUC made the list, which has been published for about five years. The magazine also ranked SIUC in the top five for "Niche Factor: Health Services for Women."  The publication reaches about 1.35 million young women from about 16 to about 20 years old – high school juniors and seniors and college freshmen and sophomores. The magazine's editors say the ranking reflects how well SIUC suits young women.

Our Saluki football team, under the leadership of coach Jerry Kill, has enjoyed quite a bit of success this year.  The Dawgs are ranked in the top 10 and have posted a 6-1 record so far this season.  With four more games on the schedule, we can look forward to more great football action in the weeks to come and perhaps a spot in the playoffs.

The basketball Salukis are getting ready to pick up where they left off last year.  Coach Chris Lowery and his squad held a "Maroon Madness" event at the SIU Arena last week.  Saluki fans of all ages were on hand for this special night, which was televised nationally.  I look forward to a great season of basketball.

There have been all kinds of activities on and off campus recently and many of our faculty, staff and students have won statewide, national and international honors.  Our students benefit the most from the great work you've done on behalf of SIUC.  It is reflected in our increasing enrollment and in the quality of our graduates and alumni. With all that we've accomplished, I believe SIUC's best days are still ahead of us.  Congratulations to all.

Sincerely,

Fernando M. Treviño
Chancellor