Geoff Gamble Greetings Alumni and Friends, As fall descends on MSU and Bozeman, I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be. There's something about the start of the school year that evokes that spirit of opportunity. Back when I was in school, it was freshly sharpened pencils and a packet of crisp, white paper. Now, our students seem more inspired by our T-1 connections and wi-fi sites, but that sense of unlimited opportunity never changes. It feels like the door is open, and all you have to do is walk through. I feel that spirit every time I leave my office. Here at MSU, I see an institution buzzing with activity, faculty excited about new ideas and the chance to work with colleagues who share the commitment to making a real difference to our university, Montana and beyond. Everywhere, I see signs of vibrant activity, whether it's our innovative projects around the state, ever-increasing support from our alumni and friends, or the contagious enthusiasm of our entering freshmen. If you have not been on campus lately, I urge you to come. Walk around. Visit your special places. And most of all, feel the "vibe" that is MSU. Trust me, this place is alive. The GPA of our incoming freshmen is growing year-by-year. Research grants have nearly tripled in 10 years. And the world is starting to know about MSU's unparalleled commitment to student success and leading-edge research and creativity. Yet amidst the growth and change, you'll still recognize MSU's unique personality--ambitious, adventurous, casual, collaborative. I'm especially proud of our new core curriculum, Core 2.0. Right now, about 1,000 MSU undergraduates participate in real-world research and creative projects. That's a big number for a public university with a commitment to research and service. But five years from now, when all MSU students are part of Core 2.0, 10,000 students will be doing hands-on research and creative work. You read that right: 10,000! MSU is dreaming big and planning to achieve our dreams. Here's one example: Five years from now, when you tell somebody you're from Montana State University, they'll say, "Wow, is that the place that did the cutting-edge research on a new pain medicine, a better wheat variety, the size or shape of the universe? Is that the place that helped my hometown grow and prosper? Is that the place where 10,000 students are doing hands-on projects?" And you'll say, "That's my alma mater. That's my MSU." All the best to you and your families. Please stop in and say hello. My door is always open. Geoff Gamble President, Montana State University P.S. I like to use this letter as a way to let you know what's on my mind and what's going on. Is it useful to you? Please let me know. My e-mail address is ggamble@montana.edu.