By the time you receive this copy of Connections we will have completed the Winter semester and will be looking forward to Spring with great anticipation. I hope you have weathered our long and very snowy winter in good spirits and in good health. The longer days and the long-anticipated warmer weather marks a time to reflect on our accomplishments, new projects and new developments in our ongoing initiatives.

Like all seasons in the University Calendar, the Winter semester comes with the predictable and the unexpected. Start-up challenges, inclement weather, athletic programmes kicking into high gear, Theatre St. Thomas productions, and a host of special events and visiting lectures all vied for attention.

For those of you who have followed our sports teams, you will be aware that they have had a remarkable year.

Among the host of special events, the most labor intensive was our fourth annual Gala Dinner in support of the Millennium Bursary Endowment. Once again, the event was organized by a contingent of highly talented and dedicated volunteers and an equally dedicated and talented group of employees, and others, who assisted on the day of the event. I cannot over emphasize my gratitude to the volunteers who make this event a success every year. The Committee literally meets year round investing roughly 500 hours to plan the event. Add to this – the combined time contributions of staff – and you can appreciate the true scope of the undertaking!

By all accounts, the event was a huge success, attended by 325 people including members of the Board, faculty, staff, students, alumni, local dignitaries and by far the largest contingent – members of the community at large.

This event is important for two reasons. It is our largest fund raiser for the Millennium Bursary Endowment and it provides a wonderful opportunity to add profile to the University in our community. This year the programme featured some of our greatest assets – our talented students, alumni, and staff. The accolades and enthusiastic reception were truly remarkable!

With the assistance of government matching funds and the Annual Giving Campaign, we can expect the endowment to grow to some $650,000 this year and we have a reasonable hope of reaching our $1,000,000 target next year.

I am pleased to report that the faculty expansion plan is moving forward quickly. National advertisements will appear shortly for these positions. With this start, we hope to begin our plan to lower student/faculty ratios and average class size as early as next year.

We have also been moving forward quickly to resolve our problem regarding residence space for our students. With the approval of the Finance Committee, we have engaged ADI as the architect and project manager for a 150-bed residence which will be located on our Forest Hill property. The project is well underway with the first phase – site preparation complete. Tenders for the subsequent construction phase have been called and we expect construction activity to begin imminently. There is consensus that we must provide this new space by the beginning of the next academic year. Therefore, the construction schedule has the characteristic, ambitious time line of St. Thomas projects and which will, I am sure, result in much nail biting next August as we prepare to receive students!

Still with construction, renovations of CBC space is complete and as soon as computing equipment and furniture arrives, the new space will be put to use by our Journalism students.

While it is too early to predict enrolment numbers for next year, we see no significant overall diminution of student demand from previous years. However, preliminary data suggest some regional variations which we will have to monitor as a part of our enrolment strategy.

And in a final, important note, we have just announced four new members of our Board of Governors. I would like to welcome Ellen Desmond, Carla Forbes, Barbara Winsor and Laurie Boucher to the Board. They each have valuable skills and insights to bring to this very critical volunteer body.

In conclusion, I would like you to know that my priorities for the coming months are to seek an adjustment in our operating grant from the provincial government, to finalize solicitations for the Capital Campaign, and to facilitate the timely construction of our newest student residence.

As alumni, you are valued members of our university community. I look forward to meeting you throughout the year, and encourage you to remain in contact with us and to attend any upcoming events scheduled in your community.

Connections Spring 2003 / Alumni / STU Home