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The question that we raise in 2011, given the extraordinary economic circumstances we face, is how we can preserve
and enhance UW-Madison in ways that are innovative and new.
There is a great deal of information, a great deal of concern, a lot of what you might call noise
in the public domain about what we're trying to achieve.
I want you to know that what we're trying to achieve is the preservation and, over time,
the enhancement of what UW-Madison is and what it stands for - nothing more, nothing less.
In the face of severe economic deficits, not only in Wisconsin, but across the country, we have worked very hard
for a year to develop ideas that would give us new tools with which to deal with shrinking state support
and the need for entrepreneurial activity.
We have no desire, as I know you don't, to become a private university.
We have the desire to remain committed to our public mission, to our partnership with the state of Wisconsin,
and to excellence of a sort that will continue to serve our state and hold the value of your degree.
I have enjoyed nothing more than my engagement with you since I've been chancellor at UW-Madison over the past two
and half years, and I commit to you to continuing engaging with you as we go forward over the next few months
and consider what ways we should choose to move forward for the good of the entire community.
Thank you.