Hall plans ‘major announcement’ for State of University
President Kermit L. Hall will be making an announcement of “real significance” at his annual State of the University address, to be delivered Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the Eccles Conference Center Auditorium.
“We are going to have a major announcement at the end of the address, one that I think will be very good news for the university,” Hall said. “I’m hoping that we will be able to have a substantial audience so we can show the university’s appreciation for individuals involved.”
Hall is also expected to applaud the national and internationally acclaimed accomplishments of Utah State University, such as the Wright Flyer, mule clones and Rhode Scholar Lara Anderson.
As part of his “academics first” initiative, this year’s undergraduate admissions are the most prepared in history. USU also reached a record high in research grants and contracts this year.
After reviewing the highlights of the past few years, Hall will present his plans for the future of USU.
That will likely include his hopes for AggiEcology, a concerted effort by the university to become more environmentally friendly.
Jack Payne, chair of the AggiEcology task force, said in the Jan. 5 Faculty Senate meeting that USU has made only sluggish progress in reaching sustainability, or meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
“That change will not happen spontaneously,” Payne said.
Goals for AggiEcology include cutting down on fossil fuel dependence and water waste, creating green buildings and promoting ecological literacy, among others.
“Creating a sustainable campus is not about environmental compliance, but about stimulating students to become good global citizens,” Payne said. “Utah State needs to be exemplar for graduating generations of decision-makers in the community.”
Payne said the university would be examining the large picture down to details such as changing the ink used in printing the student newspaper.
Students, staff, faculty and community members are invited to attend the address, and the reception that will follow in Rooms 201, 202 and 203 of the Eccles Conference Center. A copy of the speech will be posted at www.usu.edu/president.
Overflow seating is in Rooms 205, 206, 207, 303, 304 and 305 of the conference center. The speech will be broadcast live at many of USU’s county Cooperative Extension sites.
-heidithue@cc.usu.edu