PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Starting in late summer and continuing through fall,
Stevenson has been engaged in collecting input from
our community for the university’s next Strategic Plan.
Through discussions and with this valuable input, we have been
developing the broad goals for the university as well as specific
initiatives that will help us reach each of these goals over the next
decade.
Framing this work on the Strategic Plan has been an overarching
theme of “Continuity and Change.” First, we need to plan for
and embrace changes that can make the university stronger. We
also want to maintain a continuity with the established strengths,
values, and experiences that have defined Stevenson for the past
72 years.
You can clearly see the theme in this issue of Ventures. This year,
we celebrate the first quarter century of VJC/SU NCAA athletics in
the article “From Ground Floor to Championships.” No one can
deny the tremendous changes and growth of Stevenson athletics
nor its close-knit spirit and drive for excellence over the past 25
years. Continuity and change are clearly at work in the history of
Mustang athletics.
The article “SUstainable Traditions” also captures this theme.
Environmental sustainability and stewardship are perennial topics
in our world that have found unique expressions at Stevenson, from
our academic programs and Center for Environmental Stewardship
to our community gardens. Running through all these things is
our enduring commitment to teaching excellence and discovering
new ways to enhance our students’ learning experiences. The next
time bees buzz by you on our campus, remember they are not
only pollinating plants—they are also teaching our students about
animal behavior.
As we close out 2019, I would like to take a moment to
acknowledge Stevenson’s many alumni, parents, and friends
whose generosity is making the future of our university and our
students ever stronger. The entire Stevenson community joins me
in thanking you for your continued support and wishing you all the
best in the new year.
Elliot L. Hirshman, Ph.D.
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