Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

INSIDE IOWA STATE
February 9, 2001

To the ISU Community:

This is an exciting time for the Geoffroy family, and for me in particular, for in just a few months, I will be joining you at Iowa State University.

I have the greatest admiration and respect for Iowa State, and I'm deeply honored to have been selected as its 14th president. Iowa State is a university that is rich in the history and traditions of the land-grant movement, and more importantly, it's a university that, by many measures, is one of the nation's best land-grant universities. Most importantly, however, it&'s a university that is committed to improving -- to becoming the best. That&'s something I want to be a part of as well, and I'm looking forward to working with you in that endeavor.

I want to thank everyone at Iowa State who took part in the search and the interview process, especially the members of the search committee for convincing me to seek the position, and the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Accepting this position was an easy decision for me to make, not just because Iowa State is an excellent university, but because of the excitement and energy I felt when I met with many of you during my interview. There is great talent and even greater potential at Iowa State University, and I look forward to being a part of its continuing growth and development as a model land-grant university for the 21st century.

My family and I are looking forward to moving to Ames and becoming part of the Ames/ISU community, as well as the broader Iowa community; however, the move will come in two parts. I will be coming in July while Kathy will remain in Maryland so that our youngest son, Michael, can complete his senior year of high school with his class. Kathy will travel to Ames as often as she can during the next year to be a part of university and community events and activities, and she's looking forward to moving to Ames at the end of the next academic year.

I will be visiting the campus several times before July 1 so I can get to know more about the university -- its history, traditions, mission, goals and aspirations; and, most importantly, to get to know more of you. Clearly, Iowa State has exceptional people, and I feel privileged to be asked to join you as your president.

Again, thank you for this wonderful opportunity. It's going to be challenging, invigorating and fun. And go Cyclones!

Sincerely,
Gregory L. Geoffroy