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CSU takes its case to the state Capitol

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President Welty and other Fresno State administrators joined more than 250 alumni and supporters of the California State University in the halls of the Capitol in Sacramento for the CSU's annual Legislative Day on March 18.

Legislative Day participants urged California's legislators to support the CSU during the current budget crisis so that it could continue to fulfill its mission of serving students.

"The CSU's role in educating California's citizens is essential to our state and its future economic recovery," CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed told participants at a morning briefing session. "California cannot afford for the CSU to slow down right now."

Reed told participants that the governor's proposed 10 percent reduction to the CSU's 2003/04 budget would be painful. However, he said, the CSU must receive the governor's budget proposal ­ at a minimum ­ if it is to offer the classes and services that students need in order to stay on track for graduation.

The CSU has a lead role in preparing California's students to succeed in the state's increasingly knowledge-dependent economy, said Reed, noting that the CSU educates more than half of all Californians who pursue a four-year degree.

Commander Robert L. "Hoot" Gibson, a decorated NASA astronaut and a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate, also highlighted the CSU's contributions to California's workforce during his keynote address.

At its luncheon, the CSU Alumni Council presented its 2003 Legislator of the Year awards to former Assembly Speaker Robert Hertzberg and former state legislator Bill Leonard. The two were honored in support of Proposition 47, the $13 billion education facilities bond act approved November 2002. 

Back to University Journal, 4/03 Issue