Reflections on Yesterday—and Tomorrow

From one lonely building in the middle of a field to the sprawling campus we know today, Wright State University certainly has grown and matured quickly in 40 short years. Our initial layout looked sterile and unappealing—lots of concrete, lots of bricks and mortar. Today, our campus is beautifully landscaped, presenting a visually inviting welcome to everyone who comes to WSU.

And our faculty and students have changed, too. Both the numbers and quality of both have increased over the years as shown by the many awards that faculty members and student groups have received. One can be very proud to be an employee of or a graduate of Wright State University.

Tomorrow promises even more changes and growth: a student population of 19,000, with even more services and opportunities for professional and personal growth; an even more engaged faculty involved in the teaching-learning process.

The first 40 years have been exciting; the next 40 promise to be even more so.

Dr. James Sayer
Faculty President

Celebrating 40 Years of Making a Difference in People's Lives

Forty years ago Wright State shed its Ohio State/Miami branch campus status and we have been growing every year. The professional staff at WSU have contributed in many ways to our success. The number of undergraduate, as well as graduate and professional programs, for such a young campus is astonishing.

Staff have been recruited to support academic and research programs throughout WSU. Our research programs have impacted many individuals personally and professionally.

Our faculty, staff, students, and alumni should be very proud of their association with Wright State University. Congratulations Wright State on forty great years!

Let's continue to grow to serve our students and community.

John Sheidler
Unclassified Staff Advisory Council (USAC) Chair 2006–07

Congratulations Wright State students, staff, and faculty!

I have worked at Wright State University for the past 20 years and have seen significant growth and innovation. When I first began at WSU, so long ago, I had the privilege of working with people that helped shape WSU in its early years.  Listening to our development officers for the WSU Foundation tell stories of how things "used" to be… Foundation board meetings held in limos on the way to the airport (believe it or not minutes were recorded), handshakes were a concrete contract, the generous nature of our founders and how we were a family.

Wright State has grown up in so many ways, but the feeling of still being a family is evident! We are a community that works together, celebrates together, and supports each other during times of trial (business as well as personal); we care deeply for our colleagues and their families!

As we reflect on the past forty years of Wright State University's growth, my hope is that we maintain and continue to develop the close relationships and partnerships that have brought us to where we are today!

Fran Keeley
Classified Staff Advisory Council (CSAC) Chair 2006–08