14,000 plus degree conferrals; reflections on achievement

Myles Brand

President of Indiana University

It's been a great year at IU.

As I reflect on the accomplishments we've seen in the space of nine short months, I'm again impressed by the spirit of creativity and collegiality that is the foundation of our tradition of excellence.

Some of our achievements have been on a broad and public scale. We successfully completed the creation of Clarian Health after the consolidation of Methodist Hospital and the IU Medical Center; went through Round II of the Strategic Directions funding process, and saw the formal establishment of the Advanced Research and Technology Institute (ARTI). IU has just been ranked among the nation's top 10 major public research universities in a major new study and we have received significant federal grants to continue the programs that are known throughout the world for their outstanding quality.

Other accomplishments have been attained away from the spotlight. Faculty have won major awards for path-breaking research and scholarship, and they have continued to publish books and articles that bring credit not only to themselves, but to Indiana University. Staff members have repeatedly developed innovative approaches that will advance the operation of this huge institution and make it an even better place in which to teach and work.

And just weeks ago, Indiana University achieved its highest goal by conferring more than 14,000 degrees. Think of it: 14,000 creative minds ready to take their place in the world -- ready to provide the skills and leadership that we so urgently need.

These are accomplished graduates who have studied not only literature, science, business, law and art, but who have mastered an even more important lesson. They have learned how to learn. They have become accustomed to making sense of new ideas, examining old notions in new lights and solving problems with innovative and critical thinking.

That they can do this is because of you and you all richly deserve the affection and the accolades of our students, their parents and the community at large. I consider myself fortunate indeed to be able to call you colleagues and friends.

I hope that this summer holds the promise of rest and respite and that even those who will spend much of season teaching or pursuing research projects -- or both -- will have the chance to take a break and refresh the senses so that they will return, renewed, in September.

To all, thank you for a terrific year. I'll see you come the fall.

What's on your mind? E-mail President Brand at pres@indiana.edu

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