Colleagues:

I hope that those of you who attended last Friday's commencement ceremony were as moved as I was by the expressions of success, gratitude, and joy in the many faces, words and gestures from students, family and friends, and you. The accomplishments of our students became even more profound as we listened to stories about the challenges and hardships some of the most successful students overcame to achieve their dreams, and we felt pride for the skill and dedication of our retiring faculty and administrators, as students cheered and clapped in gratitude as their mentors were introduced. The evening was a success, and I thank all of you who worked tirelessly to make the premier celebration of student achievement a truly memorable event.

Adding to the success of the evening, were a clear sky and mild temperature, which held until this week, the true beginning of summer and the end of another successful year for Mt. SAC. With record numbers of students graduating and record growth in enrollment, Mt. SAC continues to stand above the competition, while maintaining a commitment to excellence, innovation and student success. No where is this commitment more in evidence than in the care, rigor and thoughtfulness many of you have demonstrated through the processes of hiring new faculty, staff and administrators this spring. I have been very impressed with the quality, diversity, and enthusiasm of the new hires, and I congratulate you for preserving and growing Mt. SAC's commitment to student access and success by bringing in new members to our college family who will maintain excellence for future generations of students.

Thinking about future generations of students, I want to thank the Faculty Association, Academic Senate, and Associated Students for giving official support to the proposal for a second bond measure. As I have discussed with you at several venues recently, the future capacity of Mt. SAC to meet the needs of an ever increasing number of students, demanding new and expanded programs and services, is dependent upon our ability to renovate existing facilities and infrastructure and to build new facilities. Without new funds to build out our facilities master plan, Mt. SAC will stagnate within a decade, resulting in enrollment decline and loss of the competitive edge we now enjoy over our neighboring colleges. A campaign to pass a bond measure is a lot of work, and it will cost a lot of money, but, with the entire Mt. SAC family committed to the success of a campaign, we can succeed. The Board of Trustees will take action on a proposal for a bond measure next month, and I am confident that will be able to keep Mt. SAC on the road of excellence.

Enjoy summer, and, as I learn more about the state budget situation, I will keep you informed.

Regards,

John

John S. Nixon, Ph.D.
President/CEO