From The President
- President Daniel J. Bradley
Campaign Is A Major Step Into the Future
By Dr. Daniel J. Bradley
The dedication of Indiana State University’s new Student Recreation Center this past July is a major step into the future for our students and the institution. Reaching that moment of celebration was the culmination of an impressive and farseeing partnership in which all concerned acted for the common good.
In thinking about all of this – how the facility came to be and what it means for our students – the word “transformative” came to mind. Ultimately, I came to believe this was probably the best word to describe what the Student Recreation Center represents to Indiana State. Why do I think this?
First, the facility will lead to the promotion of healthier lifestyles, provide a space dedicated solely to student recreation and facilitate the development of a more fit campus community. In doing so, it will transform students’ lives for the better. This incredible building also enhances our ongoing efforts to build and beautify our campus.
In many ways, what is most impressive about this facility is the way in which it got funded and built. It transformed the recreational landscape on campus along with the way in which our students viewed their relationship with the University and their roles. Up until now, the spaces used by our students for recreation were shared with instruction and intercollegiate athletics.
In response to students’ desire for suitable recreational space, the Student Government Association, in 2005, conducted a campuswide referendum that showed students’ willingness to pay a mandatory fee to help support the construction of a facility dedicated to their recreational use.
Since fall 2005, our students have been paying this fee each semester to support the facility’s construction. It has been agreed that our recent alumni, because of their financial support of the project as students, would be able to use the facility. We hope they will take advantage of this tremendous opportunity.
Our students decided to make an investment in ISU by approving the fee and providing support for a facility that will enhance our campus for decades to come. Several of our student leaders have commented that their work in planning this facility and paying the fee have been their first “gifts” to ISU.
They gave something of themselves to benefit students of the future. In doing so, they exhibited what is known as “transformational leadership.” In this style of leadership, leaders focus on “transforming” the institution and its employees, students and alumni to make the whole markedly better than it was before.
Through this exercise, these students learned something about the importance of thinking in the long term, about the need to put the group’s interests above their own and how to be a leader. I admire them for this and have to believe these will be valuable ideas and skills for them to take into the workplace and their communities.
It isn’t often one witnesses such selflessness. Their gifts and contributions will leave our campus a better place. They realized they could do something that would be transformative for generations of students to come. Their example is one we can all learn from.
This fall, Indiana State’s alumni and friends, will have many opportunities to learn how to participate in the effort to transform Indiana State University. March On! The Campaign for Indiana State University will commence its public phase in late October with a focus on student support, teaching and faculty development, program support and facilities.
These areas are the “pillars” that define the campaign, and they are aligned with the goals of the University’s emerging strategic plan. Contributions in support of them will help transform ISU by, in part, enabling the University to attract outstanding and deserving students and provide financial assistance to those who need and merit such aid. Transformation also will take place through the provision of support for recruiting and retaining exceptional faculty and staff, enhancing academic programs and building and maintaining facilities to match the quality of our academic programs.
Indiana State has a long and proud tradition of excellence. The goal of this campaign is to extend that legacy into the future while promoting a culture of generosity at the University. As the campaign unfolds, the University family will hear about other gifts – both large and small – including the private support that individuals and organizations provided for the Student Recreation Center.
I hope each of you also will remember the example of generosity and concern that our students have shown. Keep in mind, as well, that there is great collective power in many people making contributions of all sizes.
When the opportunity to participate in the campaign is presented to you, I hope you will jump at the chance to be a part of this effort to transform Indiana State University.
(Dr. Daniel J. Bradley is Indiana State University’s 11th president.)