UVA President John T. Casteen III gave his yearly State of the University speech last week to a crowd gathered in Old Cabell Hall on February 7. Here is the abridged version (with apologies to the original author).
 UVA President John Casteen hit many of the same points he’s hit in the past State of the University addresses. New points of emphasis include globalization and the subject of partner benefits. |
The State gave us some money. Donors gave us a whole lot of money. Middle class students need more financial help. The coalfield region of Virginia needs economic development help. The endowment is growing like kudzu. We’re still proud of our black graduation rates. We’re still not proud of our faculty diversity. Random acts of violence happen around Grounds. Let’s stop harassing Asian and homosexual students. We might should give partner benefits, but it’s complicated. Our provost and a top dean are leaving, but we’re replacing them. Globalization is for real—good thing for study abroad and Semester at Sea. We’re building a lot of new buildings. Slaves helped build this school. Exactly 181 years ago, Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to old man Joseph Cabell about how great UVA will be.
To view and listen to the actual speech, go to:
www.virginia.edu/president
