A
Message from Br. Michael
It's
truly an exciting time to be at La Salle. Take, for example,
our continuing development of new academic initiatives to
prepare students for leadership in the 21st century. New
programs such as Integrated Science, Business and Technology
(ISBT), Digital Arts and Multimedia Design (DART),and our
e-Commerce Institute, as well as new majors in Information
Technology and in Nutrition, are all in keeping with the
Christian Brothers' tradition of educating students in the
disciplines needed for workplace success while also providing
a strong liberal arts foundation. In addition, we have successfully
introduced a new core curriculum across the University,
fostering an interdisciplinary approach to learning and
problem solving.
The
success of all these developments is clearly reflected in
the number of students who want to come to La Salle for
their education. In each of the last five years, we have
set new records for applications. Our enrollment continues
to increase as well and the University now has more graduate
students, more women and more resident students enrolled
than ever before.
As
for new facilities, not long ago, we dedicated the state-of-the-art
Independence Blue Cross Fitness Center on campus. Looking
ahead, we have recently completed a Master Facilities long-range
plan for our campus that gives La Salle a clear road map
for development over the next decade.
So,
the positive momentum continues to build in many ways here
at La Salle.
In
the midst of all these favorable trends and exciting innovations,
La Salle's continuing development as a premier educational
institution remains firmly rooted in the 300-year-old tradition
of the Christian Brothers and the Brothers' founder, St.
John Baptist de La Salle. The university takes pride in
its identity as a Catholic institution where education continues
to be values-based. We remain committed to excellent teaching
that prepares students for the changing economic, social,
moral and religious challenges of our society.
As
part of a La Salle education, we also continue to foster
student involvement in community service.
To
sustain the University's spirit of accomplishment, and to
achieve even higher levels of excellence in all areas of
our values-based education, La Salle especially welcomes
the active involvement of our graduates. As I visit with
alums around the country, I make one message very clear:
"Come back to La Salle. You cannot catch the excitement
at a distance." So I wholeheartedly invite our alums to
return for a visit. Meet with the students. Enjoy a class
reunion event or reconnect with faculty. Your involvement
adds immeasurable value to the La Salle community as it
progresses into the new century. I hope to see you on campus
soon.
Br. Michael J. McGinniss,
FSC
President
