One of my favorite ministers told me when I was a teenager that it was easy to give a great 30 minute sermon, but almost impossible to give an outstanding 10 minute sermon. In the next 9 minutes and 30 seconds I would like to provide you with my thoughts about where we've been, where we are currently and where we are headed, both with respect to the department historically, as well as with the strategic planning process. I would like to emphasize to each of you that this is a departmental process and not my process.
Any rational move looking toward the future requires knowledge of the past.
This is my perspective, it may not be your perspective. I think it is also important for us to remember that to see into the future we must stand on the shoulders of the great men who have preceded us and have led this department. Jenkins, Giesecke, White, Johnson and Landers. I know many of you share this feeling. I think when one reflects on what you do with something you love, you attempt to grow, nurture and develop it and leave it better than it was when you found it.