The events of the last year-and-a-half have created some unique situations in our national and state economies. Endowments of all kinds have been hit hard with lower than expected returns — and those in higher education are no exception.
As I write this message, our state government officials are wrestling with a huge budget shortfall, a gap of about $1 billion over the next 18 months. Times are tough, but with the right leadership we will make it through. Here at wsu, President Don Beggs has shown us positive, effective leadership, leadership that has prepared us to continue — or even improve — our quality of institutional programming with less financial support. His enthusiasm and passion for higher education at Wichita State has kept morale high and challenged us to see these hard economic times through.
But we need your support, as well. Scholarships are sorely needed to assist future Shockers in their academic pursuits. If you live in Kansas, it is important for you to voice your opinions regarding the importance and funding of higher ed to your local state representatives as they work through the difficult process of dealing with our budget shortfall.
Your alumni association officers and staff are working overtime to deal with these fiscally-driven challenges. Our goal is to provide you and your fellow Shockers needed alumni and university services and programming, without major downsizing. We welcome your support as a dues-paying member, as a volunteer or through your contributions — as together we support higher education at Wichita State. Thank you!
