To: All Faculty & All Academic Professionals & All Civil Service Staff &
           All Grad Students <everybody@illinois.edu> 
    From: "Chancellor and Provost Bob Easter" <chancellor@illinois.edu>

Reply-To: chancellor@illinois.edu
 Subject: MASSMAIL - Chancellor's End-of-Year Message

Dear Campus Community:

As we prepare for a much needed winter break with our families I want to 
thank you for your hard work and dedication. 

We cannot overlook that 2009 has had more than a few challenges, but we 
would be equally remiss in our end-of-the-year review if we did not look 
back with pride on our accomplishments. Our faculty members continue to do 
cutting-edge work that is recognized and praised at the highest national 
and international levels; our grant activity has increased in large part 
because of that recognition; our students graduate with distinction and go 
on to tackle the crucial issues of the day; and our dedicated staff work 
tirelessly to support all of our ambitious activities. 

Yet we cannot and will not ignore the realities. I realize there is 
widespread anxiety regarding our financial state. Soon after the start of 
the next semester President Ikenberry and I will announce measures that 
address the serious budget issues we face.

With each decision we will adhere to principles that have guided this 
great institution for 142 years. We will protect the premium education we 
offer students. We will not backtrack from our other land grant mandates 
of research and outreach. Nor will we not step back from addressing the 
grand challenges of human existence, including health, energy, food, the 
arts, and the environment. 

Finally, I want to assure all of you that I am working tirelessly to, 
well, work myself out of this job as interim chancellor and provost. The 
presidential search is under way and a search for the next permanent 
chancellor and provost will follow. In the meantime, I will join with the 
vice chancellors and deans to make critical decisions that continue to 
move our university toward a viable and productive future.

Again, thank you for the extraordinary work that you do. It is because of 
your dedication that when people speak of the University of Illinois they 
cite the professionalism and pride of the faculty and staff, which are 
fundamental to our success.

With gratitude,

Robert A. Easter
Chancellor and Provost (interim)This mailing approved by:
The Office of the Chancellor

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