Welcome back from winter break. Whether this is the beginning of your last semester or your first one as a Terp, I can promise it will be as exciting as any in our history. Let me give you a preview of some upcoming events.
The university’s location inside the Capital Beltway allows us to attract nationally prominent speakers. This semester promises to be especially interesting, with former Secretary of State James Baker scheduled to deliver the Sadat Lecture for Peace and appearances slated for senior CBS News correspondent Bob Schieffer and civil rights activist Dorothy Height.
This is also the 100th anniversary of the unveiling of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. Our Physics Department is celebrating with a series of lectures and events by Nobel Laureates and other distinguished scientists throughout the semester.
Let me also update you on some recent successes of our own extraordinary faculty. The Homeland Security department awarded the university $12 million to establish the “Homeland Security Center of Excellence for Behavioral and Social Research on Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism,” which will be led by Gary LaFree. The university was selected from among 27 top-rated university applicants. On Jan. 24 we celebrated the largest research award in history by the U.S. Agriculture department when it provided $5 million to the “Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza in the U.S.” project led by Daniel R. Perez. A major event in space exploration is a university project, with professor Michael A’Hearn as chief scientist. “Deep Impact,” launched by NASA on Jan. 12, sent a projectile to collide with comet Tempel 1 on July 4, 2005. After its 40 million mile journey to rendezvous with the Temple 1, a spectacular collision will allow analysis of the sub-surface comet material and give us a greater understanding of the origins of the universe. These are just three of the many exciting research activities of our faculty members.
Of course, this is also basketball season, and as usual both the men’s and women’s teams are right in the thick of things in the ACC, the toughest basketball conference in the country. You’ll have a chance to help us make history on Sunday, Feb. 13, when our women’s team hosts the Blue Devils at 3 p.m. Our goal is to set an all-time attendance record for a women’s basketball game. I think that it would be marvelous if we’d fill Comcast Center in support of our team. Tickets are free for students, so come support your nationally ranked women’s team. Make it a basketball weekend by attending the men’s game against Duke at Comcast Center Feb. 12.
This place is alive with opportunities in academics, the arts and athletics. Take advantage of them. That is why you are here. If you haven’t already done so, commit to finding a mentor or two among the faculty. Make it your goal. It will make all the difference to your university experience. Get involved with student organizations. Attend the outstanding performances at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. There is much to do when you decide to do much.
I invite you also to join us for Terrapin Pride Day in Annapolis on Feb. 15. There you can meet with legislators and remind them of the university’s importance to you personally. We begin this semester with some good news from Annapolis. Gov. Bob Ehrlich has recommended a funding increase for the University System of Maryland totaling $43 million. This will be the first increase in higher education appropriation in three years and it addresses the continuing shortfalls we have experienced.
Rising tuition has been one of our biggest concerns in recent years. We will continue to work hard in Annapolis and around the state to raise support for the university. Our challenge and our commitment is to offer a high quality academic experience and remain affordable and accessible for all who qualify for admission. We will appreciate your help in carrying this message to our legislators.
Above all, I wish you a great semester. I look forward to seeing you on the campus and invite you to join in on Maryland Day on April 30 to celebrate our wonderful community. Last year more than 2,000 students helped with the event, and the day was a great success.
Dan Mote is the president of the university. He can be reached at president@umd.edu.
