As is the case in most other states, Arizona is facing a budget deficit. As I write this column the University is bracing for budget cuts, the amount of which has yet to be determined. We are taking all possible steps to ensure that our core mission, educating our students, is minimally impacted.

Our faculty and staff continue to provide an outstanding learning environment for our students, and thanks to support from our friends, our students enjoy experiences beyond the classroom. For example, this spring we will send 25 students to see Warren Buffett, others will participate in a Student Managed Investment Fund competition, while still more will spend a few days shadowing senior executives. All of these and many more opportunities are provided at no cost to the students because of generous support from our friends.

Of course, the ultimate goal is a successful career launch for our students. In spite of the economy, 53 firms attended our Career Exploration Day last September–an impressive showing in these conditions. We continue to place students in internships that often lead to permanent employment.

In this issue you will read more about some of these activities and learn about others in the College.

As always, we hope to see you in Flagstaff,