Message From Brother Ronald Gallagher, FSC

This will be a brief update on some items of interest to the College community as we quickly approach the end of the traditional undergraduate (TUG) academic year. I have spent considerable time on the road during the past month or so, visiting alumni, parents and friends at receptions in the North Bay, the Monterey Bay, San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles. The various events have been well attended and the tone very positive; our constituencies seem very upbeat about the College.

Admissions Report

On the home front, the Admissions office reports that the figures for TUG deposits by new students for 2005-2006 are running higher than the previous two years for this date. While freshman numbers are considerably higher, transfer numbers are lower. Within these, we have received a record number of freshman deposits, and a record number of Presidential Scholar deposits; Honors at Entrance deposits are also considerably higher than previous years. Thanks again to all who have participated in the numerous events for the incoming students.

Brother Dominic Berardelli to return to Saint Mary's College

I am pleased to announce that Brother Dominic Berardelli will be returning to work at Saint Mary's next year. He will be taking responsibility for the Parent Relations Office and working alongside Lloyd Schine, the director of the Alumni Office.

Update on Conversations with Regis University Regarding SEED

Many of you know that Regis University of Denver, CO has been exploring the possibility of taking over some of our adult degree programs. After a period of exploration, Regis informed us late Monday that it is declining to further pursue this option. Their decision was based in part on the considerable financial burden the transition would have imposed on Regis, as well as other factors. College Trustees are awaiting recommendations that address SEED's ongoing enrollment and financial challenges. Our ad hoc SEED task force has been evaluating various options, and they will continue with those efforts. I am thankful for the cooperative work of the administration, faculty and staff on this committee.

De La Salle University Update

Br. Stanislaus Campbell, the Visitor of the District of San Francisco, has announced that the Christian Brothers have officially withdrawn sponsorship of the proposed De La Salle University in Placer County. Among the reasons he cites are an "unacceptably long process" and unavailable resources to continue our participation.

Congratulations

Congratulations are due to the more than 200 student leaders who attended last night's "Courage to Lead" dinner. The combined efforts of these leaders have made a very positive impact on student life this year.

In the realm of athletics, congratulations are also due to the members of the men's golf team who have qualified for the NCAA playoffs, and to the men's Rugby team, who played into round 16 of the National Championships. These are the third and fourth of our teams this year to qualify for the national playoffs and these achievements represent a significant advance in the competitiveness of our
intercollegiate athletics programs.

Finally, congratulations to all of this year's graduates. I ask that God's blessings accompany you as you move into new adventures. And thanks again to the faculty and staff for your continuing service to our students.

Sincerely,
Brother Ronald Gallagher, FSC