University President Sidney Ribeau gave his 13th annual Opening Day address Friday, focusing on the past year’s achievements and new information regarding the budget, campus, community and values.
Ribeau began the morning address by welcoming faculty and students back to the University for another academic school year.
This year’s address was much different than the one given 13 years ago, or even last year, Ribeau told the group.
Following his welcome, Ribeau began his address, using a Powerpoint presentation to guide his speech.
Ribeau noted the remaining troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and the impact of Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland’s 10-year master plan for higher education before beginning to discuss the University’s status.
Here’s a breakdown of the information he gave at the speech:
The University’s Budget
– There is a $3,071,053 deficit in the budget. – This school year will start with 3,200 new students.
The City of Bowling Green
– The city is preparing to celebrate its 175th anniversary next year.
The University
– During the summer, there were several improvements to campus. By the second week of September, administrators plan for Saddlemire to be destroyed. The new Sebo Athletic Center will be unveiled on Sept. 22 during the first Falcon football game of the season.
Values
– Intellectual and spiritual growth must be of equal importance, Ribeau said. He emphasized the values initiative should continue beyond the BGeXperience program.