From the editor
UA in flux, but still strong
Three weeks ago, we welcomed more than 7,000 future alumni back to our campuses as we kicked off the 2019-2020 academic year. Last week, Chancellor Dan White spent the better part of an hour highlighting °®ÎÛ´«Ã½â€™s accomplishments at his .
The return of our students and the opportunity to celebrate our strengths has been a welcome reprieve from the rollercoaster of the university budget during the last six months. And, it’s a reminder that the university will endure, even in the face of our fiscal challenges.
We will still provide educational opportunities to students hungry to learn.
We will still reach important breakthroughs in our research.
We will still enrich the lives of Alaskans through service and outreach.
While we face a $70 million challenge over the next three years—and that’s no small challenge—the university is strong. That was also proven time and again in recent months, as °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ alumni joined with students, employees, business leaders and community members throughout the state to send a clear message to state leaders: Our great state needs a great university.
Please stay engaged as we work together to find a solution to this challenge. Budget updates, as well as video messages from President Johnsen to the university community, can be found .
All that said, years of budget cuts have tangible consequences. In my department that has meant a shrinking staff and budget. Because of that, as well as continued budget uncertainty, we can no longer publish a printed edition of the Aurora magazine.
Depending on how things go, this e-Aurora may be our final issue. Although I hope we can bring the magazine back in the future, I also think it’s important to inform our loyal readers. In the meantime, if you want to keep up with what’s happening at °®ÎÛ´«Ã½, our is updated daily with stories and event announcements.
Thank you for your support over the years, and Go ’Nooks!
Kim Davis
Managing editor