Executive Director's Letter

Jerry Lazarski

A Year of Transition and Opportunity

We begin the 2008-2009 fiscal year at the Foundation with a smooth transition and a huge opportunity. Under the effective leadership of Don Gunderson over the past five years, the Foundation has become more efficient and organized. As Executive Director, Don worked enthusiastically with the Board to achieve continued growth financially and build our core for the future support of our Paper Science & Engineering students. We wish Don well on his 'second retirement' to enjoy more free time for his many other interests.
The transition was designed to be seamless as my coming on board was accompanied by expert coaching from Don. His experience and counsel has been invaluable.
From the business perspective, the Paper Science Foundation continues to meet its obligations according to our bylaws. The market conditions at the close of our fiscal year were tumultuous and difficult.

• Corporate contributions were 114% of goal; alumni's delivered 106%.
• Net assets of the Foundation decreased by(5.3)% due to market conditions.
• The administration fee from the endowment accounts will remain at 0% for 2008-2009.
• The scholarship program was revised and approved by the board. Qualified students can receive up to $2400 per year.

With our increased enrollment, we expect to award nearly $100,000 in scholarships this fiscal year. The new team is already working hard on fresh ideas and approaches to continue the progress forward. The opportunities and challenges are there for us, but so are the tools to succeed. This is an exciting time to be in Paper! And the UWSP Paper Science Foundation and the Paper Science & Engineering program are both poised to be at the center of what’s new and growing.
As our new President, Gary Weber, has already mentioned, engineering accreditation, biofuels, international exchanges, and student recruiting all will give a major boost to the Paper Science & Engineering program. The Foundation must be ready to support the projected increase in the number of students. What a great opportunity. This is your chance to be a part of the revitalization and biggest changes in Paper here at UWSP in decades.
The contribution forms can be found in both the front and the back of this report. Please use them now and take the opportunity to become a partner in this supportive experience.

Jerry Lazarski, Executive Director UWSP Paper Science Foundation