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A Message from President Yudof

To: UCSC Campus Community

From: Mark G. Yudof

December 14, 2010

Dear Colleagues:

As the year comes to a close, I want to extend my sincere appreciation for your dedication and hard work on behalf of the University of California.

Together we have made impressive progress, most notably in persuading our state’s leaders to reinvest in higher education as a top priority.

Your advocacy efforts helped ensure that the University of California received increased state budget support, despite the fiscal crisis. Your efforts are helping us to keep our commitment to the people of California, to serve all citizens, regardless of income, regardless of family background. Nor has the fiscal crisis kept you from your extraordinary work: world-changing research, life-saving medical advances, and inspiring the next generation of leaders and thinkers.

Your help has also been crucial to our ongoing effort to work smarter and make the most of our resources.  Together we can make sure that the University earns the same reputation for administrative efficiency as we enjoy for academic excellence. Your ideas for how we can do things differently – and better – are making a difference.

Perhaps the best example of this is the thoughtful, constructive advice I received from faculty, staff and retirees on changes to our pension and retiree health programs. When I asked for input, you engaged with this complex subject and helped me craft a plan that preserves excellent benefits while also putting the plan on a path to long-term affordability.

I am both proud and grateful to work with faculty and staff who have responded to our current challenges with a genuine concern for and commitment to this great institution. The work you do each day enhances the University’s standing as a world-class research university, and for that I am deeply appreciative.

We will continue to face fiscal challenges in the year ahead, but I believe that working together we will do everything in our power to preserve the University’s excellence and to serve the people of California.

That means continuing your important role in our work of teaching, research, health care and public service to the people of California.  It also means continuing our dialogue with lawmakers in Sacramento and Washington DC to be sure they understand the important role the University plays in solving California’s — and the nation’s — many challenges.

Thank you again for your dedication and commitment to the University of California.

I wish for each of you a happy holiday season with family and friends.

With best wishes, I am,

Sincerely yours,

Mark G. Yudof