A CLASS ACT - DAVID HARDESTY - WVU PRESIDENT

Today's post isn't about BLENKO GLASS .



President David Hardesty is leaving WVU after 12 very productive years.



David and Susan Hardesty have been President and First Lady of WVU for 12 years - they are the only President and First Lady I remember.



From grade school through Dental School I watched in awe as the two of them so graciously entertained during Football Games, and at Public Ceremonies.

Later as a Foundation Scholar, I had a closer view of their intense involvement with the University,and their 'deep love ' for every aspect of the University.

The Hardesty's had a 'open door' policy. I believe most anyone could walk in and speak with them if they had an issue. Both were very involved and concerned with all parts of the university and campus life. My friends and I felt that they 'wanted ' to know what we thought about issues.



The announcement of President Hardesty's retirement was made over a year ago and a new President has been named. I am writing about this today as I received a letter - actually a form letter send to thousands of people who support WVU from President Hardesty. It served to remind me that CHANGE HAPPENS....and when it does it is a time to remember the GOOD and to LOOK forward to the FUTURE with HOPE.



The content of the letter was thought provoking, and highlighted some of

the achievements of WVU. I want to share them with you.



- For the first time in WVU's history Morgantown enrollment topped 27,000.

- The football team won the Gator Bowl, the men's basketball team captured the ACT championship, the women's soccer team won the Big Eat Championship and the women's basketball team made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

- Donors provided gifts to the WVU Foundation, which increased financial support from $17 million over the past 12 years to a record breaking 83.4 million for the 2006-2007 year.

- WVU students continued to earn prestigious national scholarships - 18 Truman Scholars and 30 Goldwater Scholars

- WVU became one of 39 four year institutions selected to participate in the national high education project known as Foundation of Excellence in First College Year.

- The Faculty member continued to distinguish themselves as teachers and scholars. Mining Engineering Professor Syd Peng was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, an organization of the nation's most elite engineers.

- The M mountaineer Parents Club grew to include more than 16,00 families.

- Work progressed on important building projects including renovations on Oglebay, Brooks and Colson Halls for the forensic science, geology, and geography, and English programs.

_ WVU named its 22nd President Michael S Garrison, Mike has incredible energy and enthusiasm and shares with his wife Heather, a deep love for this institution. I am confident that his vision, dedication and public service experience will enable him to continue advancing WVU toward even greater national and international recognition.



President Hardesty ends the letter with this statement: "Now that the time has nearly come for Susan and me to say goodbye, we do so with enormous gratitude. we have been privileged to hold positions of trust at a very special moment in time - the turn of the century, the dawn of a new millennium.

We prepare to leave with joy in our hearts, thankful for the education we received at our Alma mater and extraordinary honor of serving it. We are confident that future leaders will serve WVU effectively as it marches into the centuries yet to come, with the indispensable help of everyone who loves this University. (the end).

When I think of President Hardesty, the quote below comes to mind:

Frances de Sales
Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength.