First, I want to extend a warm welcome to you as we enter the academic year 2008-2009. Changes in administration include our new Provost, Dr. Damian Fernandez, Wiley Hausam, the new Director of the Performing Arts Center, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Robin Kaufman, Interim Dean of the Conservatory of Music, Dr. Robert Thompson and Interim Dean of the School of Humanities, Dr. Louise Yelin. Under their leadership we are poised for an energetic and productive year.

It has been a very busy and eventful summer between Commencement and the commencement of the academic year. The new Governor’s efforts to deal with New York State’s budget crisis bring a steady stream of news stories regarding cuts in expenditures. Governor Paterson wants to cut $630 million from the budget. He has convened a special legislative session for August 19 and he wants the Legislature to cut an additional $600 million. It is clear that public education will once again be a part of this budgetary debate.

The Governor’s veto of the land lease for a senior learning community on campus was the second recent event in Albany with a dire impact on Purchase. One of the governor’s solutions for the budget deficit is partnerships between public and private entities for state assets. I have asked Governor Paterson to reconsider his veto because the Purchase proposal is exactly what he is trying to promote. The benefits to seniors are obvious and proceeds from the lease would provide much needed scholarship moneys and faculty support.

While these events are not a positive way to begin the new year, I am pleased that sound fiscal management at Purchase that included putting money aside will help us to better face budgetary constraints and I am hopeful that the Governor will reverse his decision.

I want to close with an invitation to Convocation on Wednesday, September 10th at noon in the Upper Lobby of the PAC. At that time, as is the tradition, I will introduce new members of the community.

We have much opportunity at Purchase and I look forward to sharing an exciting and fruitful year.

Thomas J. Schwarz
President