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Hoff looks to future improvements

President has positive outlook despite recent tragedies

By Rachel Wentworth

Posted on Thursday, September 27th, 2001, 12:00 am

By Rachel Wentworth

For The Maine Campus

University of Maine President Peter S. Hoff began his yearly State of the University Address by applauding the students and faculty at UMaine for a good start to the school year, saying he felt that “2001/02 was going to be a great year.”

Hoff then spoke about the attacks and how the campus as a whole reacted to the acts of terrorism.

“Our campus united,” Hoff said. “The campus responses made me feel very proud.”

He encouraged the university to move forward with its educational, research, and community life.

“Education is more important now then ever,” he said.

“Yes, we move forward.”

The president additionally spoke about the death of UMaine’s beloved hockey coach, Shawn Walsh. Hoff appealed to the college community to emulate Walsh’s success in rising above mistakes and adversity. Hoff also encouraged students to show unconditional pride and loyalty in the University of Maine, as Walsh did.

“He taught his players how to achieve the utmost success on the ice and in life,” Hoff said.

Hoff praised the faculty for attracting more than $55 million in research opportunities for the university.

Hoff said he was pleased by the amount of research grants and money being donated to UMaine, giving credit to the Maine Legislature and taxpayers.

“The public wants to invest in research at UMaine,” Hoff said. “This ensures economic growth.”

The Princeton Review recently rated the University of Maine sixth in the nation for improving student life in 2001. Hoff said he is confident there will be even more improvement with the renovations and new projects underway on campus.

Hoff then announced several of his goals for the upcoming years, including a plan to introduce an Honors College to the University of Maine System. According to President Hoff, no other institution in New England has this feature, which boasts smaller classes and a more rigorous standard of education without isolating honors students from regular college life. He said he hopes more students will be attracted to the small-college liberal arts feel the Honors College at UMaine would provide.

Other goals include strengthening the quality of graduate programs, increasing the quality and advancement of science and finding ways to better involve university students with elementary and high schools across the state.

“We will be able to accomplish amazing things,” Hoff said.

Hoff closed the address by voicing his hopes for the University of Maine in the future. He said he wants UMaine to be among the top-ranked universities in the country. He also wants the campus to be culturally inviting and welcoming and hopes the people of the state can talk about the University of Maine with pride.

“[The terrorists] attacked the goals the University of Maine stands for,” Hoff said. “Let us use the resources of the university to help the health and stability of the world.”