Outlook

At one with the community: Message from the chair

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

There’s a renewed energy on the St. Cloud State University campus, and at a time when some are feeling more than a little anxiety about the future, it couldn’t have come at a better time. Those of us privileged to be part of this exciting forward movement know we’re still investing in a sure thing: graduates primed to build better communities, better schools, better businesses and a better future.

It’s evident that President Earl H. Potter III’s leadership is helping build increased pride in St. Cloud State throughout the community and the state. The St. Cloud Times named President Potter the community’s top “Difference Maker” for 2008, stating that he “is leading the university and the community toward many important and far-reaching changes.” The newspaper’s tribute went on to say of the president:

“In concert with the city and private developers, he and the university unveiled this year plans for a massive upgrade to the National Hockey Center along with redeveloping Fifth Avenue all the way north to the St. Cloud Civic Center. Plus, his work with area legislators helped the university acquire critical funding to expand key university facilities.”

Building pride in our University translates into immeasurable benefits for all in the St. Cloud State family. For students, faculty and staff, it means resources to enhance teaching and learning. It means opportunities for scholarships and options for learning experiences that build character and broaden horizons. For alumni, it means increased value in a St. Cloud State degree. Overall, it means increased interest in the institution’s future.

This past year St. Cloud State’s supporters have mobilized to join in the positive wave of progress and foundation-building. Some of the highlights during fiscal year 2008 included:

• Raising $4,184,000 in total gifts.
• Completing funding for Centennial Hall by raising $1,094,000. One-half of the campaign goal of $2.2 million was raised after President Potter assumed his position.
• For the first time ever, raised more than $1 million in the College of Education, thanks to a gift of property from Vera Russell ’35 ’40 valued at $880,000. Russell became the first alumna of COE to reach over a million dollars in total giving before she died in May.
• Donors numbered approximately 6,500 for the year – including 4,800 alumni.

Thank you for your support of St. Cloud State and the scholarships that are so crucial to providing access to the education that will fulfill the dreams of many deserving students. I hope you join me in building on the important goals that will continue to keep St. Cloud State moving forward.

Robert E. White ’70
Chair
St. Cloud State University Foundation Board of Trustees

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