Dec. 19, 2003Dec. 19, 2003
Dear Colleagues:
As 2003 draws to a close and the consolidation of the UM/MU extension administrative functions takes place, it seems appropriate to think back over the past decade and to consider all that you have accomplished in fulfillment of the University of Missouri's unique statewide extension mission. You have made major contributions to the quality of life for the people of Missouri, and you have demonstrated the value of University knowledge for the benefit of individuals, families, communities and the state as a whole. In short, your work has made a real difference in the lives of those we serve. I am very proud of what you have accomplished, whether you have been engaged in this work for many years or recently joined the team. Thanks to you, the University of Missouri is truly improving people's lives. At a time when this university, and all public institutions, need to increase public understanding and support for our contributions to society, your work stands tall as a classic example of service and quality that remains true to the land-grant university mission.
I especially want to thank you for your many kindnesses to me over the years through thick and thin. I will always look upon my work with UO/E faculty, staff, councils, and public and private partners with pride and deep affection. I have gained many friends and colleagues for whom I have the highest respect, and I have learned a great deal from you. In return, I hope that my advocacy and commitment to you and your mission have advanced your work in some meaningful way. As I continue to serve the University of Missouri System in other roles, I will continue to be an advocate for you, for the outreach and extension mission of the University, and for the enormous contributions you make every day to the social and economic well being of the state.
As you know, I often quote the Glion Declaration that frames important principles necessary for universities in the 21st century. I leave you with these ideals, and I challenge each of you to continue to model the values they represent.
"In its institutional life and its professional activities, the university must reaffirm that integrity is the requirement, excellence the standard, rationality the means, community the context, civility the attitude, openness the relationship and responsibility the obligation upon which its own existence and knowledge itself depend."
Finally, in the spirit of the holidays, I am making a contribution in the name of the University Outreach and Extension faculty and staff to University Children's Hospital in Columbia. This donation in your name is made in recognition of all that you do, day in and day out, to improve the quality of life for Missourians.
Please accept my enduring appreciation for your service to the University of Missouri System and my warmest regards for the holidays.
Ron Turner
Executive Vice President and Director
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Eileen Yager,
yagere@umsystem.edu |
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