http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-925435.mp3
Macomb, IL – Western Illinois University President Al Goldfarb didn't mince words during his ninth and final State of the University Address Thursday afternoon. The university is in decent shape, but many challenges still lie ahead.
"I'm pleased to announce that we now have been fully reimbursed for the past fiscal year as of [Wednesday]," Goldfarb said, pausing as the crowd in the University Union's Grand Ballroom broke into applause. "Still, we are now owed almost $12 million for the current fiscal year. See? There's always additional news," Goldfarb said as the crowd nervously laughed.
The state had owed Western an additional $6 million in unappropriated FY '10 funds.
Goldfarb says cautious budgetary measures will continue this fiscal year as the state has cut funding to the University by $3.7 million. The measures include stringent oversight on travel, expenses and purchases of more than $500. Such purchases will still require approval.
The outgoing president also used his time on the podium to highlight the accomplishments of his administration. For example, funding has been secured and construction has been started on WIU's riverfront Quad Cities campus. Rennovations are ongoing for Corbin, Olson and Memorial Halls. The University Union and Hanson Field have also received upgrades, and the new multi-cultural center on Murray Street was built.
Goldfarb made it clear that the accomplishments were a university-wide effort, and not simply his doing.
Goldfarb says there were a couple of things he would have done differently -- including spending more time with people on campus.
"The reality is, with the life of the president, you have to spend almost as much time off campus as on campus to work with donors, alumni, legislators and others," he says.
To listen to President Goldfarb's complete State of the University Address, click "play" on the audio link above.