First of all let me say that we are delighted to have so many representatives from higher education, business and industry, and organized labor spend a few days on our University Park campus. All of our campuses work together in a comprehensive and flexible system that addresses a variety of higher learning needs for Pennsylvanians and their communities. We are very proud of this strong tradition of access. We also take great pride in Penn State's reputation for quality in undergraduate education, graduate education, research and creative activity, and outreach and public service. All of us here know how very important the issues before you at this conference are to us.
Diversity is inherent in our collective commitment to access.
It is essential to the quality of education for all students. And it is imperative in the university community if we are to sustain an effective working relationship with our diverse society through our missions of teaching, research, and service. Yet what seems so straightforward conceptually can, in practice, be difficult and complex. Some perceive a tension between excellence and access. There are occasional conflicts between individual interests and community interests.