Wednesday, October 6, 2004 
To all faculty, students, staff and alumni of Case Western Reserve University: After a very successful "Race at Case" vice presidential debate on campus yesterday, it is with renewed pride and energy that we awaken today as a revitalized and invigorated university. The events of the past several months leading up to last night's national spotlight exemplify the outstanding results that we can achieve working together as One Great University.
What we are witnessing is a truly remarkable university emerging as a single aligned community out of many historically separated components. We are moving boldly in new directions, seeking opportunities to make real world impact, consolidating our strengths, and finally showing the world what an outstanding university we are. It is our vision to be the "most powerful learning environment in the world," and this can be accomplished only through the strength of unity. I am extremely proud of everyone for their efforts in making this a reality.
Feedback on the Race at Case from students, faculty, staff, and alumni reflects the pride all members of our community have in our wonderful university. The Commission on Presidential Debates believes that Case "raised the bar" for hosting internationally televised debates. We also raised the bar for civil political discourse in the programs that preceded the vice presidential debate last night, and we should be most proud of this reflection of the character of the people who are affiliated with Case Western Reserve University.
This kind of positive result can be achieved only through the total team effort that went into making the Race at Case successful. The university is indebted to many people, but especially to Gene Matthews and the crew from facilities services, Steve Organiscak and the team from information technology services, Glenn Nicholls and student affairs, Michael Ruffner and university marketing and communications, Mark Carlson and the government relations staff, and Dick Jamieson with security and campus services. Overall coordination was provided by our University Relations team, with Lara Kalafatis, Erin Walsh, Kathleen Travers, and the entire alumni relations, programs, and events staff, who produced, as they always do, flawless event programming. Vendors, partners, and sponsors were instrumental at all levels.
And most importantly, our students, faculty, staff, and alumni again showed why we exemplify excellence, through volunteering, organizing activities, tolerating disruption, and contributing insight and wisdom to the largest issues facing our country and the world today.
In the past we've talked about the synergy and success that can be achieved as One Great University. The national impact of the Race at Case helps us all fully understand the remarkable potential being unleashed as we come together in so many important ways. Thank you all for everything you do.
Edward M. Hundert, M.D.
President
Case Western Reserve University |
