I appreciate this opportunity to say thank you to the members of our CSI family who have this fall experienced significant inconvenience due to the number of students attending CSI and more specifically the automobiles they have brought with them.  I know it has been a problem for some more than others, but please keep in mind that students are the reason we are all here and they are critical to our future.  For those of you in the Taylor Building who responded to my request to help us by parking by the library, I am sincerely appreciative and will do my best to repay your willingness to assist us through this difficult time. 

We will again be somewhat inconvenienced as we begin initial preparation of the area around the Taylor Administration Building for the construction of the Student Union Building.  We anticipate completing this project sometime around Thanksgiving 2003 and moving in over the Christmas Holidays.  This will be a great addition to our college, our employees and our students. 

We are also initiating a fund drive to complete the final phase of the Herrett Center.  Most of the $1.4 million was received from the estate of the late Earl and Hazel Faulkner who directed their funds to be used at the Herrett Center.  We will also honor former First Federal Savings Bank CEO and community leader, Rick Allen, by naming a community room in his memory.  First Federal Savings Bank as well as Rick’s family and friends are contributing to this worthwhile project.

My last thought is that we are approaching a very important election in our state.  I would encourage each of you to familiarize yourselves with the candidates, the issues, and to make a sincere effort to vote.  It is a critical time for our state and leadership will be key as to how we succeed in the future.

I hope you have all enjoyed this beautiful fall and are beginning to pray for abundant snow this winter.