Welcome to the fall 2008 semester. These are challenging and exciting times on campus, in the nation and throughout the world. We are all confronting the economic realities in our everyday lives. We drive by gas stations and are happy when we see gas at $4 a gallon. The once green lawns of our foreclosed neighbors are brown and dying as the sub-prime housing crisis hits home.

But we are confronting these challenges head on, and I’d like to give you a piece of advice: stay on track. Getting a college degree is one of the most worthwhile goals you will ever complete. The CSU graduates 90,000 people into the workforce each year, and provides most of the state’s teachers, nurses, business professionals and engineers.

These are among the many professions that move California forward and are in greater demand each year. Employers rely on Sacramento State to provide the educated professionals who help drive our economy and keep our quality of life strong. And 80 percent of local business leaders say the employment pool is better because of the University.

We’re welcoming about 50 new faculty members to the campus who, along with the rest of our dedicated faculty, are enthusiastic and ready to work with you.

When you see me walking around the campus, please say hello. This is an open invitation to share your concerns and your questions with me. If I don’t see you on campus, visit www.csus.edu/askthepresident and send in your questions.

Have a great semester. I look forward to hearing from you.

Alexander Gonzalez is the University President