| SPRING 2010
Message from the President
Happy spring to all and welcome to the beginning of a new decade. As I recall the turning of the millennium 10 years ago and those midnight celebrations circling the globe, I am glad now to be part of an institution that touches many communities locally and globally.
In early January, 81 Webster students set out on their first study abroad experience. One-third of them chose our Thailand campus and the rest our European campuses. One of our undergraduate students is completing a year s study in China as the beneficiary of a scholarship from the Consulate General of the People s Republic of China. This award is given to a non-Chinese national to study at a designated Chinese university or college.
In December, we embarked on a re-conceived future of collaboration with Eden Theological Seminary. Eden President Dr. David M. Greenhaw and I signed a Memo of Understanding stating that Eden will transfer 5.5 of its 22 acres and three buildings the Wehrli Center, Luhr Library and White House to Webster for $5.3 million. With the transfer of Eden s library building to Webster, Eden s active library collection will be consolidated and integrated into Webster s state-of-the-art Emerson Library. Webster will provide technical library services for Eden students, staff and faculty, who will have full access to Emerson s extensive library resources. Webster also will lease Eden s athletic fields for recreation and intramural athletic activities for seven years. Eden students, faculty and staff will have full access to Webster s Fitness Center, which contains a wide array of aerobic and circuit weight machines, and free weights, as well as to Webster s indoor swimming pool. We are confident this agreement will maximize the use of our campuses and meet our distinct individual needs.
At Webster we always have good news to share, especially the many stories of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors. In the last issue, I introduced our new Web site to gather the many stories of Webster. Now I encourage you to visit the Web site at mystory.webster.edu and read through the more than 250 entries. Like me, you will learn more about Webster University, its history, its heritage and those enduring qualities that make Webster a memorable place. You will begin to gain a sense of the whole of Webster across boundaries and people. You will find that Webster University is known and loved for many reasons our strong academics and outstanding undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the place where classes are small and students are greeted by name, as the gateway to a first international learning experience, or as the place where students acquire the knowledge needed to engage in a meaningful and fulfilling career. I hope after reading these stories you ll be inspired to share yours.
Webster s future sits solidly on a foundation of innovation the continual transformation of our reach and impact in fulfilling unmet needs. That exceptional history provides inspiration for the roles we now play. We anticipate the celebration of Webster s centennial in 2015, just a few short years from now. In future years we know that the stories we tell, the actions we take now, the plans we make, and the consequences of our choices as members of the Webster community will stand as the legacy we leave for generations of Webster faculty, staff, students, alums and donors. We will define Webster as they will know it.
An early mentor of mine once described leaders as those who invite others to the table. In that spirit, we will set a table for conversations with many wise Webster people who come with rich and diverse experiences and ideas. Each one of us brings valuable contributions to the table as we consider how best to extend the reach, regard and impact that Webster has for generations yet to come.
I welcome you to the table.
All the best,
Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble
President, Webster University
|
470 East Lockwood Avenue