The academic year began on a strong, high note -- the opening of our new Honors College. Clear proof of the University at Albany's commitment to academic excellence and achievement, it is but one example of how we are moving UAlbany forward boldly.

Our faculty won distinguished awards and attracted nearly $241 million in research funding. Our students excelled, capturing national honors and performing thousands of hours of public service. We experienced unprecedented success in athletics. Our alumni continue to reach higher and achieve more.

Like most public research universities, we face challenges. But this year, thanks to our government leaders and a dedicated staff and their careful management, we are able to invest where there is real ambition, high standards, and commitment to excellence.

We have embarked on a $25-million "revitalization" that will beautify our campus and perform needed maintenance. The first phase is a transformation of our Entry Plaza into a spectacular new park-like setting. It is a new beginning in caring for our signature architecture and a metaphor for the pride we take in UAlbany and our community.

New major funding commitments by New York State's leaders also made possible another major development. International SEMATECH agreed to locate its headquarters at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, ranked this year as the No. 1 college in the world for nanotechnology and microtechnology by Small Times magazine.

In August 2006, shortly before the start of the new academic year, UAlbany suffered a tremendous loss, the death of President Kermit Hall just 18 months into his tenure. He brought great energy to leading the University. He dreamed big and asked us to reach as high as we could. That is, I believe, exactly what we are doing.

We have much to be proud of, and the word about our strengths is rapidly spreading. Applications for the fall 2007 freshman class exceeded 20,000 for the first time, an increase of more than eight percent -- yet another important measure of what the UAlbany community, including alumni and friends, can accomplish, working together as a team.

I am enormously grateful to all who are making possible UAlbany's astounding progress.

Susan Herbst
Officer in Charge
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs