By Quinton Matthews
At the seventh annual State of the University Address, President Dr. James R. Ramsey reflected on the past and looked ahead to another challenging year. Faculty, students and friends of the University of Louisville packed into the Margaret Comstock Concert Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 20 to hear what the president had to say.
“The flood… state budget cuts …[the] press’ fixation on personalities and not the real work of the university…[the] impact of health reform and other public policy,” listed Ramsey, citing roadblocks from the past year.
To avoid roadblocks this year, Ramsey looks to U of L’s 2020 Plan as a roadmap.
“We have much to do, for our 2020 Plan sets an aggressive course of action for us,” said Ramsey. He cited work on the 2020 Plan as a primary goal for this year.
The plan was unveiled in November of 2009. It seeks to improve the Belknap Campus at an estimated cost of $1.1 billion, with goals of adding new space and renovating and removing outdated buildings.
“The goal of this strategic plan is simple: We want to be the pre-eminent metropolitan research university that our region deserves,” states the 2020 Plan.
During the address, Ramsey also recognized Woodford Porter’s family and the Porter scholarship recipients. The scholarship, which was established in 1985 to honor the first black president of the U of L Board of Trustees, is the largest black scholarship organization at U of L.
“I was just proud to be a Cardinal, and especially [during] the recognition of the Porter Scholars,” said Janaé Lewis, a sophomore history major and Porter Scholar.
Ramsey filled his speech with stories about actions the faculty has taken to push toward the 2020 Plan, upcoming events for the 2010-2011 school year, inspirational slogans and promises for this year.
“Because of you and who you are and what you represent, we are going to have a great fall semester and a great year,” said Ramsey as he came to the end of his address.
According to Sana Abhari, Student Government Association president, the speech appeared to be well received by those in attendance.
“President Ramsey delivered a memorable speech that spoke to all,” said Abhari. “I am sure that every detail resonated well for faculty, staff and, most certainly, students.”
