Dear Colleagues:

Thank you to everyone who helped to orchestrate a very successful Sesquicentennial Homecoming Celebration!  Even though the weather tried to dampen our festivities, spirits were high and the students, alumni and honorees all seemed to have a wonderful time.  It was a great pleasure to be involved in such a fun-filled weekend and it is one more example of why I am truly proud to be a Bulldog!

In conjunction with Homecoming, the Board of Governors held their annual October meeting under the leadership of Board Chair Mike LaBeth.  Representatives from RubinBrown LLP reported on the annual audit of the University.  Dr. Sharron Quisenberry, Chair of the Pursue the Future Campaign, and Charles Hunsaker and Denise Smith, Co-Directors of University Advancement, provided updates on advancement and the capital campaign, and Regina Morin, Vice President for Enrollment Management, provided the annual enrollment management report.  I also provided a President’s Report reflecting many of the campus and community activities that have occurred throughout the past few months.  In addition, the Board reviewed financial reports, received updates on various on-campus construction projects, and heard reports from their three committees.  Within those committee meetings, the Board received reports on the Constitution Day Celebration, the visit by the President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the upcoming searches for the Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Education and the Dean of the School of Science and Mathematics, and the Student Leave of Absence Policy.

In terms of action items, the Board approved architectural/engineering services for the Pickler Memorial Library Sprinkler/Alarm System Replacement Project and approved the purchase of a 35-passenger mini bus which will be used to transport student groups such as athletic teams, musical ensembles and field trips.  The bus purchase included a trade-in allowance for a 2009 33-passenger bus and will be funded by the Student Athletic Fee.

A copy of the complete agenda from the October 13 meeting can be found on the Board of Governors website located at http://www.truman.edu/about/our-people/board-of-governors/board-of-governors-agendas/.  The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Saturday, December 2.

Have a wonderful end to the first half of the semester and here’s to a fantastic second half!

Best regards,

Sue