Nearly a century and a half after they were established, public universities remain one of our nation’s most important, successful, and enduring creations.

The public university was initially envisioned as a gateway to hope and opportunity for a national economy that had been devastated by the Civil War and by a government that recognized that an educated populace would be required to propel our nation forward.

Today, these many decades later, we find ourselves facing different challenges—the solutions to which will also require an educated public. In order to educate the future leaders required for our Commonwealth and our nation to compete, our public universities must play a significant role.

As our state, our nation, and the world look to find ways to emerge from this period of economic distress, the question arises: Who are the leaders, and what are the institutions that will guide us to a new period of prosperity and stability?

As a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Lowell and as chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, I can say, with conviction and with pride, that UMass will play a central role in leading the way.

When I look at the leadership provided by my fellow trustees, by President Wilson, and by the chancellors; at the skill, dedication, and commitment of our faculty and staff; and at the talent, enthusiasm, and determination of our students, I think it is clear that the University of Massachusetts will continue to play a significant role.

The University of Massachusetts, with its growth in recent decades, has shaped the Commonwealth as a society and as an economy as never before. The University educates 61,000 students (most of whom come from and remain in Massachusetts after graduation), and brings $400 million in sponsored research to the state each year— research that fuels the state’s economy. Discoveries emerging from UMass research contribute to enterprise and job creation—providing our regional economy with much-needed, well-educated employees.

Despite the challenges of the current economy, we must forge ahead and continue to make progress for the people of the Commonwealth. It is our responsibility to ensure that current and future generations of students have access to the best possible education through our public research University. I thank you for your continued advocacy for the University of Massachusetts.

Robert j. Manning, UMass Lowell ’84
Chairman, Board of Trustees