These are both difficult and promising days for higher education in the state of Washington. There are many critical, intertwined issues that we cannot ignore any longer: how to find room for growing ranks of students; how to keep higher education affordable for those of modest means; how to sustain quality at a time of public deficits; how to make sure that the system is doing the job the citizens want done.

As UW alumni, you have an important role to play in the public debate about these issues. From your own experience, you know what is at stake. You also know how to think and talk about complicated questions. And you have a lifelong debt to this state for the public education it provided you. So, indeed, do I.

So, as a fellow Husky, I urge you to use this site to stay informed about the issues. Beyond that, I urge you to get involved and make your voices heard. Even more than in the past, the welfare of the University of Washington and higher education in general depends on loyal and knowledgeable alumni. And far more than in the past, the welfare of the state of Washington depends on higher education.