Dear Colleagues,
It's my great pleasure to send my first message as the interim chancellor of the University of Colorado Denver │ Anschutz Medical Campus. I have been involved in some association with the university since my family and I moved to Denver in 1997. Four years of working in state government followed by a year on the Anschutz Medical Campus has given me the opportunity to recognize the extraordinary value that the university brings to our community, our state and even our world. It is an honor and a privilege for me to be part of this institution.
I feel especially fortunate to work
with all of you, not only because of the opportunities in front of us, but
also because of what you have already created. From our top-ranked academic
programs to our ground-breaking research and the remarkable range of ways we
support our students, our successes are directly attributable to you, our
talented, hard-working and dedicated faculty and staff. One of our
undergraduate students sums it up on
CUDenverThinkTank.com:
“Professors here are really knowledgeable, and they know how to teach. Not
only do they know, but they like to teach, and I can feel that vibe from
them.” I can’t imagine higher praise—or a better community of which to be a
part.
I am eager to continue this journey
with you, building on the great momentum established under Jerry Wartgow. Two
projects that illustrate that momentum are coming to fruition this month. The
Colorado Center for Health and Wellness,
which opens April 16, will offer state-of-the-art research, education and wellness
services in one facility on the Anschutz Medical Campus, creating new models
for healthier living. And the J.P.
Morgan Center for Commodities, opening today at our new Business School
building in downtown Denver, is the first U.S. university center to provide a
comprehensive education in commodities including agriculture, energy and
minerals. These programs exemplify how
this university is leading the way in serving students and citizens based on
tomorrow’s priorities.
Over the coming month, I will focus
my energies on getting to know many of you personally. It is only from that
place of understanding that we can craft a vision of how to move forward. I
plan to hold meetings with faculty, staff and students, which will allow me
to answer your questions about my plans and give us a chance to talk about
our vision for the future.
I am committed to open communication
with you as we plan the next steps in the life of our institution. And I look
forward to finding ways together to support your innovation and create more
opportunity for our faculty, staff and students, as well as all the
communities we serve.
Sincerely,
Don Elliman
Chancellor