@ The President's Desk
Straight talk and timely information from President Roger SublettCreating the Future
Earlier this week, I walked into a television studio to be interviewed on the “Issues” show hosted by Jan- Michele Lemmon Kearney, a dynamic attorney who has invested in her hometown of Cincinnati by offering short televised features on positive activities happening around town. In the lobby, we met Deborah Brock Blanks, an alumna of UI&U’s undergraduate program, who was to be interviewed about her work with the SMART program, a non-profit service providing engaging supplemental academic and extra-curricular programs for youth in the area. Yet another woman was to be interviewed about her intervention work with perpetrators and victims of violent crime. Joining me from Union on our segment of the show was Dr. Carolyn Turner, a doctoral alumna and now assistant dean for Union’s undergraduate program in Cincinnati. Carolyn’s father, Dr. Bailey Turner, who also earned his doctorate at Union in 1977, is renowned for his work with community building and the civil rights movement. Carolyn knew all the individuals and there were introductions and some reacquainting, as well as discussions of the relevance of -- and the need for -- the work being done by all the people in the room. Each of the women I met was familiar with Union and its mission and they each expressed interest in continuing their education at Union or teaching through one of our programs. I was struck by the seemingly coincidental meeting of these people, each active in socially responsible positions, each looking for more education for themselves or to teach others, each knowing about Union’s unique position to provide flexible solutions for their needs, each understanding that Union is an institution that provides adults with relevant and meaningful education that makes a difference.
Last month, I met with alumni and learners in the Washington, D.C. area. Again, the work being done by our graduates is exemplary and connected to service and social responsibility. One example is 1981 doctoral alumnus Dr. Gene Cohen, a Harvard graduate and medical doctor who saw a need to study the aging brain. He earned his Ph.D. with a focus on gerontology, and consequently founded the Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities at George Washington University. His third book, The Mature Mind: The Positive Power of the Aging Brain, was recently published by Basic Books, and he is a featured speaker nationwide.
These opportunities and these individuals are living reminders of Union’s vision and distinctive niche in higher education. We “educate generations of highly motivated adults who seek academic programs that engage, enlighten and empower them in their pursuit of a lifetime of learning and service.” The people in that television studio and those I meet in my travels around the country illustrate that vision. They represent countless other alumni, learners, faculty, and staff – all leaders who understand the challenges of our time and who step up to be change agents.
Every day, we here at Union are working to capture that vision and to honor our graduates and learners. Very soon you will be receiving Union Institute & University’s annual President’s Report, covering the period from July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007. Titled Creating the Future, the report provides a glimpse into the life of Union through our programs and people. As we reviewed the past year, I was reminded of one of my favorite Peter Drucker quotes: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” That is exactly what we have been about for the past five years, during which time we weathered and rose above challenges by the Ohio Board of Regents and other external agencies. I am happy to report that we have succeeded in addressing our challenges – and that success gave us the impetus not only to strengthen our academic programs but also to focus closely on embedding our mission and vision into program curriculum and our delivery models. Through the process, we discovered that we are creating our future and also securing it for further generations of motivated adult learners.
Over the last several years, trustees, faculty, staff, and administrators of the Union community have moved the organization forward with great energy. I have divided these successes into four categories, providing some organization to what may be the most momentous period of change in the history of this organization.
The significance of these moves means that, for the first time in many years, when all the dust settles, Union will be completely debt-free, with renewed energy to invest in people and programs, a concept I have promoted since my arrival at Union in 2001.
Our Annual Fund Campaign has been successful in raising more than $210,000 so far in the 2007-08 fiscal year ending on June 20, 2008. Our ultimate goal is to advance the level of gifting to $2 million dollars each year from our community to invest in scholarship funds for future learners, faculty research, and professional development for all of our employees. We cannot “create the future” by ourselves; it will take hard work and generous support from all of us who care deeply about Union, its history, its future, and its ongoing commitment to adult learners.
We are pleased to extend @UI&U, our electronic monthly newsletter, beyond the faculty and staff to our learners and alumni. In sharing our good news around the world, we invite you to connect with Union in meaningful ways. Send us news of your accomplishments and career or life successes; we are proud to know that so many in our community are recapturing the university’s mission and vision in their daily lives.
Union is a unique institution with a unique history as one of the most distinguished universities/colleges committed to adult and lifelong learning. Each of you who read this is a part of the life of Union, and I hope that you will be motivated to provide continuing support of our efforts through your good work and endorsements, as well as your financial support to ensure the path of excellence on which we have embarked.
Thank you for your interest in and support of Union Institute & University.
Warm regards,
Roger H. Sublett, Ph.D.
President