Despite slashing next year's budget by $13.75 million - and the prospect of even deeper cuts in years to come - Ohio University will continue to thrive, President Roderick McDavis said in his Founders Day address.
About 70 students, employees and alumni sat in Baker University Center Theater Friday morning to hear McDavis discuss OU's history, students' accomplishments and the impact of the economic crisis on higher education.
OU must shave $13.75 million from next year's budget, and although OU received a record number of applications in 2009, there is no guarantee the university can sustain enrollment numbers for next year, McDavis said.
We still must make difficult decisions to meet this shortfall
McDavis said. We must be more efficient with our resources and talents ... (and) make the best use of limited funds. It won't be easy but we will rise to the challenge.
McDavis began his convocation speech - part of OU's annual Founders Day celebration - on a somber note, recognizing the death of OU freshman Andrea Rea Robinson, who died Wednesday of bacterial meningitis.
While McDavis acknowledged the accomplishments of students and faculty, his speech also noted the national recession's crippling effect on the university budget.
The university is looking to alumni, some of whom traveled to Athens for Founders Day weekend, for help.
Tough economic times have impacted our university
McDavis said. We thank our alumni and friends for their support.
McDavis highlighted the generosity of one OU alumna, Violet L. Patton, who donated a total of $41.3 million to the colleges of Education and Fine Arts. Her $28 million gift to the College of Education is the second-largest donation in university history, and the college will be renamed after Patton's parents, Gladys W. and David H. Patton, pending approval from the Board of Trustees.
McDavis focused most of his speech on discussing the history of OU and recognizing alumni, students, and faculty members for their accomplishments.
Other university administrators - including Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit, Faculty Senate Chairman Joe McLaughlin and Honors Tutorial College Dean Jeremy Webster - also spoke at the convocation. The ceremony also featured performances by the Rattletrap Stringband and the Title IX a cappella Chamber Ensemble.
Today
we celebrate OU with some pomp and little bit of circumstance
Benoit said. (We recognize) administrators
professors and students for their outstanding academic achievements.
The day's events included various exhibits and musical performances in addition to the convocation ceremony.
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Pamela Engel
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