THIS WEEK'S MESSAGE FROM ACTING PRESIDENT GERALDINE JONES
Posted on October 26, 2012
To: All
students, faculty, staff, alumni and University friends Last night I had the pleasure of
attending the Scholarship Recognition Dinner, an annual event that brings
together two important groups of people — the generous alumni and University
friends who create privately funded scholarships, and the students who benefit
from their generosity. The evening’s theme is
appreciation, and I heard many “thank-yous” during the event. Students, of course, took the
opportunity to thank their scholarship donors for helping to fulfill their
dream of earning a college degree. For many of our students, a scholarship
makes all the difference. Without this important financial assistance, they
would be unable to attend Cal U. For others, scholarship aid allows them to
concentrate on their studies rather than dividing their time between school and
work. A scholarship is helping them to earn their degree in a timely fashion
and then move into the workplace. Every student at the Scholarship
Dinner had a story to tell, and the scholarship donors were eager to hear about
their families, their studies and their career plans. Each student made a point
of saying “thank you,” especially to donors they were meeting for the very
first time. But our students weren’t the only
ones expressing appreciation. Our donors, too, had their stories. Over dinner, many shared
remembrances of an individual who had made a difference in their own lives — a
family member who encouraged them, a mentor who guided them or a scholarship
donor who made their own higher education possible. Our donors have never
forgotten the people who helped them along the way, and now they are “paying it
forward.” Last night’s dinner epitomized for
me the spirit of Cal U for Life. Our
scholarship donors have given generously, sharing their time, talent and
treasure. By joining our circle of giving, they have made a measurable
difference in the lives of our students and their families. I want to add my own “thank-you”
to the many appreciative words I heard last night. I am immensely grateful to
the donors who fund scholarships for our students, and who remain engaged with
Cal U in so many ways. You are an essential part of our University family, and
I deeply appreciate all you have done for our students and our institution. I am thankful, too, for our
students. You are the reason that Cal U exists, and I’m sure that your future
is bright. I look forward to seeing you cross the stage at Commencement, and I
hope you’ll remain involved with your alma mater long after you graduate.
Please remember those who made your path a little easier, and pay that generosity
forward with a kind word or deed. In the spirit of Cal U for Life,
From:
Acting President Geraldine Jones 
Meet Acting President
Geraldine M. Jones
