I retain that conviction. The University of Connecticut has been an important University for many decades. Evidence of that journey's early steps surrounds us today, a silent but powerful statement of the work of the Governor, Senator Sullivan, Speaker Ritter, other state legislators, and of the leaders of business and labor who joined forces with members of the Board of Trustees, alumni, administration, faculty, staff, and students to develop an ambitious plan and turned that plan into reality. On behalf of the entire University, I express our deepest gratitude to you, the leaders who brought UConn 2000 into being. Nothing is more important to the quality of life in this state than educational excellence.
Nothing is more important to Connecticut's economic development.
But even more fundamentally, nothing is more important to our sense of who we are as citizens of a human community and a democratic society. It is in truth the foundation for all which lies ahead. Returning to our three concepts, let me begin with the concept of excellence. I offer today a statement of purpose and partnership. I look to the day when excellence in all programs of this institution will be widely acclaimed, the day when the outstanding students and distinguished professors from throughout the country will compete to become members of the UConn community.