There’s a reason things feel unusual at Sacramento State this semester, things are changing for the better. Fees will still go up and classes will still be cut, but there is hope for the first time in years.

Finally, we are on the right track when it comes to working as one unit.

Alexander Gonzalez gave his fall address to a hoard of teachers and a smattering of students on Thursday. Which is truly unfortunate, considering how everyone who had anything to do with Thursday’s festivities did it for the betterment of the future of Sac State students.

Mayor Heather Fargo took time to attend an event and spoke highly of both Sac State as an institution, as well as its growth over the past few years. She complimented the energy and enthusiasm inside the University Union and the improvements to parking, in addition to the look and feel of the campus.”It’s much better for those of us who just visit sometimes,” Fargo said.

It’s better for those of us who go here, too.

Two years ago, this campus was an emotional minefield that included a potential faculty walkout and a vote of no confidence in the university president. Now, we have turned a corner and are working together.

Not everything here at Sac State is perfect. We are still light years away from completing all we need to accomplish, such as improving our graduation and retention rates. However, being proud of the transition this campus has undergone is not a case of wild optimism or seeing things through rose-colored glasses. It’s real. People are happy and excited to be here.

Associated Students Inc. President Miguel Cervantes said since everyone knows how bad things can be, working towards the outcome is easier than in previous years.

“If we don’t, it’s going to be harder to keep students from dropping out,” Cervantes said.

Sac State has tried hard to shake its reputation as a commuter campus in a second-tier city. The city of Sacramento is desperately trying to act like the capital of the world’s seventh largest economy and improve its image as well. Thursday’s speech was one example of both entities moving toward their collective goals in unison.

The “Memorandum of Understanding,” a six-point document that outline plans to improve communication between the city and the university. The memo also includes a point to help Sac State students have a better ability to land internships with city.

Fargo said that the city and university working together would help prepare graduates transition in to the workforce and help prepare students for life outside of college.

“We have real-life examples of everything you learn here,” Fargo said.

Gonzalez said after the address that he is happy about the cooperation between faculty and administration and anticipates a bright for the future of Sac State. When he speaks about the Recreation and Wellness Center, he displays genuine excitement.

“It’s going to revolutionize how we care for our students. You can use it or not use it, but you’re going to be able to be proud and say ‘Look at my campus,'” Gonzalez said.

Faculty Senate Chair Bruce Bikle said that the transparency that Sac State has recently adopted has helped ease tensions on campus and has mended fences between faculty and administrators.

“You may not agree with what’s going on, but at least you know what’s going on,” Bikle said.

One of Bikle’s post-address comments regarding campus unity was stunningly profound in its simplicity and honesty.

“I know we are talking better. I know we are doing a better job of listening to each other,” Bikle said.

We really are, and it’s something to be proud of.

The State Hornet Staff can be reached at [email protected]