Several months ago, during our 50th Anniversary Celebration in April, Dr. Ken Maroney said, “I think the University, as it exists today, has far exceeded anyone's dream.” This statement continues to ring true.

The 100,000-square-foot University Center will be completed next spring, the women’s golf and tennis teams and the men’s tennis team are now competing, the NCAA has approved our athletic program for Division I competition, and we have seen unprecedented generosity and giving with our current Wave of the Future Capital Campaign.

What makes me especially proud during this era of rapid growth is that we have maintained our standing in the annual college guide of U.S. News & World Report as the top public regional university in Texas. This is a great team effort by our students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and the entire community.

We have come a long way in a very short time. As we approach the new millennium, I have to agree with another statement Dr. Maroney made during the anniversary celebration: “You haven't seen anything yet. I think we are just starting.”