From the President

President Al GoldfarbOur 2009-2010 theme, “Dollars and Sense: From Personal Finance to World Poverty,” certainly ties in with the state of the current economy. We recognize the current economic challenges and difficult budgetary times facing not only our University and the state, but also the nation. Please know that we are committed to continuing to provide stellar academic opportunities and to providing a quality, affordable education. We continue to closely monitor expenditures, and will work with our legislators and others to keep education at the forefront. I appreciate all of the support during these difficult and uncertain budgetary times.

In spite of the current economic circumstances, as I look ahead to the 2009-20010 academic year, I am energized about Western’s many opportunities and advancements.

The University will begin offering its new engineering and nursing degrees in Fall 2009. Both of these degrees come at a time when there is a dire need for trained professionals both regionally and nationally. The four-year engineering and nursing degrees will be delivered at the WIU-Macomb and WIU-Quad Cities campuses as part of a 2+2 program and will provide an integrated course of study.

We will open the new Multicultural Center this spring, and the facility will be fully functional by the Fall 2009 semester. The new center has been built under green standards, including the installation of a grass roof. As in previous years, we will continue to make sustainability and environmental awareness a priority.

The University continues to review new technologies to enhance our students’ academic experiences and broaden educational opportunities. We have made great strides in the past months in the realm of social networking as the University has established a strong presence on Facebook and MySpace, as well as the University’s alumni social networking site, RockeNetwork. Our alumni and friends have the ability to get the latest University news via the Alumni Association's monthly e-newsletter, RockeNews, and from University Relations daily eNews. We are continually seeking new ways to bring Western updates and news directly to you.

While we have much to look forward to in the upcoming year, I’d be remiss if I did not mention the outstanding accomplishments of our campus community over the course of this school year. More than 600 students participated in December’s graduation ceremonies, including our first nine doctoral graduates, while six alumni were honored for their professional accomplishments. The Art Gallery received a historic donation of artwork by the late WIU alumnus Warren Anderson ‘50, and the Performing Arts Center re-design was finalized. The College of Arts and Sciences celebrated its 50th anniversary, while the computer science department also marked its silver anniversary. We saw an increase in enrollment at the Quad Cities campus, as well as in transfer, graduate and extension student enrollment. The University sponsored a successful Election Night Party in November, and a few months later, sponsored a Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, which was shown live on ABC. Two counselor education programs received national accreditation, while Beu Health Center’s ambulatory services also receive national accreditation. We participated in flood relief efforts throughout the region, and for the third consecutive year, a WIU student was chosen as a national FFA agriculture ambassador.

Thank you for your continued support of Western. I hope to meet many of you at Alumni Association events this year.

Al Goldfarb
Al Goldfarb