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President Kustra declares Fiesta Bowl victory opens doors to ‘The new U’
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In President Kustra’s Spring Update Speech Wednesday, Jan. 10, he spoke about how the Fiesta Bowl win elevated the university’s already-steady framework. He addressed the packed Jordan Ballroom of the Student Union Building with high hopes for 2007 and what he referred to as “the new U,” which he explained, “Is really the new you and me. All of us.”
“Just as the outcome of the Fiesta Bowl was entirely in the hands of the coaches who prepared it and the players who executed it, so too our future is in the hands of the ‘new You,’ whether you are in front of the classroom, whether you play a supporting staff role or whether you are in a leadership position, the new you – all of you – hold the keys to shaping our Boise State future,” Kustra said.
Congratulations on the victory aside, Kustra pointed to the
direct correlation between the win and the benefits that it provided for the university.
“The university at large has benefited immensely from this experience- certainly in terms of media exposure from coast to coast and merchandise sales which support student scholarships. There will be many intangible benefits, from increased student visits and applications to a boost in our fundraising efforts. No doubt, the overwhelming community and statewide spirit generated for the Broncos is part of the momentum for the university,” Kustra said.
Kustra mentioned that Boise State is approaching its 75th anniversary in September of this year. He also pointed out that interest in enrollment is at an all-time high.
“The admissions office has received a 135 percent increase in online inquiries since the Fiesta Bowl,” Kustra said.
In addition to outlining some of the university’s highlights and future initiatives Kustra provided a slide show previewing the state-of-the-art facilities at the new Interactive Learning Center, currently under construction just to the west of the Math/Geosciences Building. The 54,000-square-foot facility is slated to open in June.
Kustra focused on the primary objectives of the ILC. He proposed that the building is designed specifically for interaction.
“Research has demonstrated the importance of interaction between students and between students and faculty,” Kustra said.
Kustra also elaborated on what the ILC will offer as far as
technologies, different teaching strategies and other resources to facilitate learning.
In a motivational conclusion, Kustra used the football team
as a metaphor for the lessons of life and career.
“The history of Boise State is the story of facing adversity head on, fighting for academic respect over the years and standing up for what is best for our students, our region and our state. It’s never giving up in the face of overwhelming political odds this university faced over the years. It’s about believing in yourself and your university as our students, alumni and fans do.
“And to each and every one of you, the new you, my challenge is a simple one: Let’s not settle for anything but excellence in all we do and let’s not be afraid to dream and take this university and its students to a place where our academic quality is known across the nation,” Kustra said.
According to Frank Zang, director of communications, the message in Kustra’s speech was inspirational. He also commented on how the publicity that the university has received from the Fiesta Bowl has and will continue to shape it.
“The football team’s victory in the Fiesta Bowl has been a watershed event for the university,” Zang said.
“The unprecedented media exposure, from Ian Johnson’s appearance on ‘Good Morning America’ to a mention on the ‘David Letterman Show,’ has taken Boise State to a new audience.
“This BCS bowl experience will benefit the university in terms of media exposure, enrollment, faculty recruitment, fundraising and scholarship support through merchandise sales,” Zang said.
JOSLYN SALOW
News Writer