Geoff Gamble Greetings from snowy Bozeman, Bobcats skied and snowboarded in neck-deep powder just before New Year's when Bridger Bowl received five feet of snow in 48 hours. Bozeman's ski area was unable to open--too much snow. The 100 inches that fell in five days delighted powderhounds and set snowfall records. Future generations of Bobcats will hear about the legendary ski days and tales of deep powder, face shots and snorkels. Holidays allow time for us to recreate, rest and reflect upon achievements and blessings. Fall semester highlights include the Bobcat football team's victory in the annual 'Cat-Griz contest and the repeat as Big Sky Champions. From that remarkable team, safety Kane Ioane and kick return specialist Corey Smith were named to the NCAA Division I-AA All-America first team. Defensive end Jon Montoya and quarterback Travis Lulay were named to the Division I-AA Academic All-America first team. We look forward to 2004 for new triumphants on the field and court, as well as in the classroom. You have heard me discuss our Putting Students First Scholarship Campaign that we launched to offset the increased costs of higher education and for recruiting, retaining and rewarding students. Alumni and friends continue to be generous. We have raised more than $16 million of our $18-million goal and are on the last mile of this campaign. Your gift, large or small, can help put us over the top and give MSU students an outstanding college experience. Contact the MSU Foundation at 800-457-1696 for details. As we consider MSU's New Year's resolutions for 2004, we are unveiling a new five-year strategic plan that includes a university with a larger, more diverse student body, improved undergraduate and graduate programs, a reputation as a national research center and strong partnerships in the community and state. The University Planning, Budget and Analysis Committee developed the strategic plan and now seeks alumni, public and university-wide input. The document is posted online at www.montana.edu/upba/vision.html. As always, I welcome your input. While we contemplate our bright future, we also grieve the loss of one of our own. Shortly before Christmas, we learned that Montana had lost its first citizen in the Iraq conflict. Army 1st Lt. Edward Matthew Saltz, an MSU College of Business graduate, came to us from Bigfork on an ROTC scholarship. We send our thoughts and prayers to his family and to all those who are serving in the military. As we begin this new year, I am proud to be part of an institution that our alumni and our friends have helped to build. I'd like to personally invite you to visit the campus to see for yourself how an MSU education leads our students to success for Montana and the country--and bring your skis. Sincerely, Geoff Gamble President, Montana State University