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From the President

Giving Thanks

Readers will receive this issue of Plymouth Magazine near Thanksgiving, and that’s appropriate, because there is much here for which we at Plymouth State University are grateful.

In what follows, you will find articles about distinguished faculty and staff members who are taking the institution forward and creating opportunities for students, from international courses in which students share their experiences through blogs—creating global classrooms for others—to undergraduate and graduate student research that advances knowledge and may lead to improved health care. You will learn about art exhibits that invite us to see anew and service projects that make the world a better place. You will read about faculty and sta members who are leaders in their fields, from sports information to arts education, and about the students they support and mentor.

One recent achievement, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for PSU’s new Langdon Woods residence hall, has attracted national attention. Vice President for Financial Affairs Bill Crangle has been invited to make presentations on the project at national meetings of college and university planners; and Bill, graduate student Peter Laufenberg (featured on the cover), and other students have worked with state and national media such as WMUR and National Public Radio to tell the story. Many people from across the University and beyond, including students, community members, architects, engineers, builders, and more, deserve enormous credit for having achieved environmental sustainability at this high level.

In a subsequent issue, we will provide additional photos of Mary Lyon Hall, which this year had its grand re-opening as a student residence hall. In its remodeling, attention was paid to environmental sustainability as well as to historic detail. The stories I hear from alumni about their years at Mary Lyon are rich and varied—moving, funny, sometimes quirky, and always engaging. It is wonderful to know that both Langdon Woods and the remodeled Mary Lyon will influence future generations of students and become part of their memories of Plymouth State.

Each person who has given gifts of time or funds to Plymouth State University has indicated his or her faith in the University and made an important contribution to PSU’s future.

This issue also acknowledges our alumni and friends, whose generosity and commitment are shown in volunteer work on PSU’s behalf and in gifts that provide a margin of excellence for the University. Students benefit from improved programs and facilities, and from scholarships, such as that created by Gene and Joan Savage’s family and friends to honor the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary. Anna Grace and Paul J. Holloway, who have devoted their lives to transforming others’ lives, provided funds for a new lecture hall in Boyd Science Center. Wally Stevens and Meredith Bristow Stevens created PSU’s first endowed professorship to recognize extraordinary faculty members and are pleased to honor Professor of Music Dan Perkins for his skill in educating educators. Each person who has given gifts of time or funds to Plymouth State University has indicated his or her faith in the University and made an important contribution to PSU’s future.We appreciate that trust.

Finally, as always, I invite you to visit our Web site or, even better, come to campus to attend sports contests, arts events, or public lectures. You are part of our community, and we welcome your participation.

Sara Jayne Steen, President