During the annual State of the University Address on Sept. 8、皇冠app官方版下载校长安迪·范斯坦 along with 几个 other university leaders, reflected on the challenges over the past year brought on by the pandemic and the importance of working together to overcome 这些挑战. 

While acknowledging that the university has had to make some tough decisions to ensure 正常 of a return as possible this fall, 范斯坦 said, “There is nothing better than being 回来在一起. It may sound cliché, but it is heartfelt and true – a UNC education is enriched by the relationships that form on our campus. 团结是很重要的 characteristic that distinguishes UNC from other universities—and that’s never been more 比今天更真实.” 

The value of working together was illustrated through numerous accounts of faculty and staff going above and beyond to ensure student success is at the core of UNC的日常工作k. 这包括 ongoing administrative efforts to end years of deficit spending to be able to invest in the future of UNC’s students and employees and through the university’s continued efforts to develop and strengthen relationships within the Greeley community. 范斯坦 也承认 和鼓掌 the perseverance of UNC’s students through a very difficult period. 

“Students, we admire your resilience and determination. 你对教育的承诺， desire to earn your degree, and drive to pursue your dreams inspires us. 继续推动 forward and know that we are here to support you throughout your journey as a UNC 熊.” 

During the address, 范斯坦 spoke about 几个 accomplishments within the last year, as well as plans currently in progress that advance 大学的优先事项确定在 划船，不要漂流联合国联合国军司令部的十年战略计划. 这包括the five vision elements that guide the university’s work; Students First, Empower Inclusivity, Enhance and Invest, Innovate and Create, and 联系和庆祝. Notable highlights included the following:  

• Recognizing the donor-funded projects that have provided student scholarships and financial support for academic and extracurricular programs. 总共，结束 超过 3,500 donors contributed to UNC in the last fiscal year, making gifts and pledges 总计超过1200万美元.  

• Elevating UNC’s current Chief Diversity Officer position to Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) to ensure DEI is a core component in the university’s efforts. 

• 庆祝35岁th anniversary of UNC’s César Chávez Cultural Center and prioritizing the university's efforts 成为西班牙裔服务机构. 

• Partnering with Sodexo, a global food service and facilities management company, to ensure UNC will have more local and diverse retail options on campus and improve the 校园整体用餐体验. 

• Investing in employees by providing raises for faculty and staff and creating new initiatives to show support for UNC employees, including half days on Fridays between 毕业典礼 and August, paid time off for volunteering, and an employee appreciation program titled “做一只熊.” 

• Exploring avenues for potential growth, including the creation of an Osteopathic Medical 皇冠app官方版下载. The university is currently conducting a feasibility study to evaluate market demand, economic impact and the capacity and commitment of healthcare providers 来支持这个项目. 

• Collaborating with the city to amplify Greeley’s pride in being home to UNC. 

范斯坦 closed his speech acknowledging the university’s persistence in becoming more nimble, understanding and supportive of one another in the last year. 但大多数 importantly, he emphasized the concept of togetherness. 

“Working together, the great work we do every day will yield extraordinary results for our students, faculty, staff, friends and community.” 

UNC Student Body President Enrique Benavidez, Classified Staff Council Chair Roni Secord, Professional Administrative Staff Council Chair Kendra Schneider, Interim Provost Lisa Vollendorf and Faculty Senate Chair Oscar 莱文 all joined 范斯坦 in speaking during the address.  

Watch the recording of the State of the University Address:

——迪安娜·赫伯特写