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MSUCOM was built and sustained by the gifts of those visionaries dedicated to preserving the future of the osteopathic profession. Many of these gifts are material. Many, however, cannot be deducted on a Schedule A, such as enthusiasm, advocacy and voluntarism for the college. All are important. All have brought us to today’s level of excellence, the most recent reminder of which is U.S.News & World Report’s recently ranking us as fourth among all primary care medical schools in the nation.
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This issue of Communiqué celebrates the role of development – the gifts and grants to MSUCOM that keep us vital. Two of Merriam-Webster’s definitions of “to develop” are particularly useful: “to work out the possibilities of” and “to make active or promote the growth of.” Those whose names are listed on our honor roll (pages 8-13) are providing economic lifeblood for our college, without which we would not be celebrating the successes we have today.
As you know, the situation is fragile at the moment. With the deep cuts to higher education because of the state’s economy, Michigan’s public universities are bearing large reductions in their budgets. (This 6.5% cut, combined with the 3.5% already taken for this fiscal year, means a 10% reduction, more than $39 million for MSU.) Though we don’t yet know specifically how this will impact our college, there’s no doubt that it will be painful. But if we take the initiative, keep positive, work together, communicate precisely, plan carefully and remain flexible, we can minimize the damage.
As your dean, I have two major priorities in dealing with this crisis. First, we will do everything in our power not to compromise the quality of education offered by MSUCOM. We are producing professionals who will make life and death decisions each day, and we have a moral obligation to train the best physicians possible. Second, we will do all we can to minimize the human impact of these cuts among our faculty, staff and students.
There’s much you can do to help. Please educate yourself as much as possible about Michigan’s budget problems, and keep abreast of news about higher education funding, especially for MSU. Consider a timely donation to MSUCOM, or augmenting your gift. Our development officer, Sharon Snyder, (517) 355-8355, will be happy to assist you.
Thank you for all you are and for all you do. Thank you for your gifts – material and nonmaterial – to MSUCOM. Thank you for remaining active with us in creating a positive and healthy future.
William D. Strampel, D.O.
Dean
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