Good Morning UMass Dartmouth.

 

What a historic day it is!  A record turnout of Americans has elected our first African- American President Barak Obama. 

 

For those of us who were part of the politics of the 1960s, seeing the crowds who gathered at Grant Park in Chicago -- celebrating the audacity of hope, embracing inclusion and opportunity -- could only provide a renewed sense of common purpose and commitment to American ideals.  President-Elect Obama’s vision energized young voters and reminded us all that participating in civic life does indeed make a difference. 

 

Senator McCain, who campaigned hard and is certainly a great American hero, was gracious in his defeat, embracing Senator Obama as his President and pledging to work with him to address our continuing challenges. We must all do the same because once elections are won the hard work of translating the promise into reality must be done by many people.  More than any other time in history, our choices going forward will shape the world we live in.  The whole world is watching with great enthusiasm for a new beginning.

 

We were also relieved to see such a resounding defeat of Question 1 in Massachusetts because, as you certainly recognize, this would have presented a daunting challenge for us as a public institution.  I hope that this vote indicates that we will have the opportunity for more open discussion of public purpose and public good here in the Commonwealth.  There is a lot to be discussed about the role that public higher education plays in creating a flourishing economy and an engaged citizenry, and the way we must keep our institutions both excellent and affordable.

 

We remind you that this afternoon at 3 p.m. in the Claire T. Carney Library Browsing Area we will gather for a campus town meeting to discuss our fiscal challenges.  I hope you will come with a perspective and attitude shaped by the civic spirit demonstrated last night through our election process.

 

We are counting on your practical insight and your sense of common purpose to help us move through these challenging times and emerge as a stronger and more innovative learning community. 

 

Dr. Jean F. MacCormack, Chancellor
Foster Administration Building
508.999.8004
jmaccormack@umassd.edu