1998 Annual Report

October 1998

Dear Friends,

College and university presidents often have trouble sleeping. The list of terrors that can plague us includes student misbehavior, liability risks, enrollment uncertainties, faculty and staff concerns, budget surprises, fundraising challenges, and the constantly changing opportunities of information technology.

Hence, it is particularly gratifying to be able to report that the 1997-98 academic year has been an extraordinarily successful one for Susquehanna University. So successful, in fact, that I seem to be sleeping better than ever.

Our enrollment is at an all-time high this fall, with more than 1,600 full-time students, and the student body has continued to grow in quality and diversity as well. Total gifts to the University in 1997-98 set a new record of $11.6 million. The Susquehanna 2000 capital campaign moved to within $3 million of its $35 million goal, with two years of active fundraising remaining. The endowment reached $78 million-up from $15 million ten years ago. Renovation and expansion of North Residence Hall was completed just in time for the opening of this academic year. Construction is well underway on a new academic technology center that will house the Sigmund Weis School of Business and the University's growing communications programs. And the new strategic plan approved by the Board of Directors in May sets ambitious targets for additional enhancements in quality, size, diversity, and institutional strength over the next six years.

Susquehanna's chief asset continues to be its outstanding faculty. The percentage of faculty holding the doctorate has grown from 71 percent ten years ago to 91 percent today. In recent years, faculty research and publication have increased, but the primary commitment of Susquehanna faculty is - as it has always been - to excellence in teaching. Faculty members here are unusually accessible to students and dedicated to providing the intense mix of challenge and support that leads to student confidence and achievement.

This annual report includes news of many of the University's achievements in the last year. Heartfelt thanks to all of you - alumni, friends, faculty, students, board members, and volunteers - who have contributed to Susquehanna's remarkable progress.

Sincerely,

Joel Cunningham
President