Sometimes wisdom appears in unexpected places. For me, it came while in the dentist's chair.

My dental hygienist, a WSU graduate, shared with me the importance of her college education. She was concerned about her sister who is married, but has no career plan. Our young alumna was trying to convince her sister that getting a college degree would not only help with a job, but also make her sister a happier and more independent human being, more engaged with the world around her.

I was impressed that a young graduate would grasp the broader value of higher education. Her words reminded me of a recent study from the Institute for Higher Education Policy, "Investing in America's Future: Why Student Aid Pays Off For Society and Individuals," which took that idea even further: higher education benefits our communities.

Along with yielding $1 million more in lifetime earnings, a bachelor's degree has many unrecognized social and economic benefits: increased tax revenues, decreased reliance on public assistance, lower unemployment, as well as increased voting, volunteering and participation in civic activities.

The study, and the wisdom of our recent graduate, caused me to reflect, not for the first time, on the role of a Weber State education. Let me share with you some examples of how Weber State contributes to more successful well-rounded citizens in our communities.

It comes in preparing students for the professional world. Shawn Tolbert '05, while raising a family and helping put his wife through nursing school, transferred from a community college to Weber. Shawn wanted to finish his bachelor's and prepare for medical school. Being "impressed with Weber's focus," Shawn entered our pre-med program. With the program's 13-point educational "game plan," academic advising every step of the way, and grant-funded research experiences, Shawn's WSU education led to the University of Michigan Medical School, earning one of 170 spots -- from 4,900 applications. Shawn feels his experience at Weber State set him apart, and can't wait to "give back to the university that gave me so much."

It comes in teaching students while our faculty continues learning and growing. Sociology professor Brenda Kowalewski partners with Ogden's Youth Impact, a study hall and after school recreation program for at-risk 4th-to-12th graders. Students beginning their sociology course work serve as youth mentors while upper-division sociology students conduct research with and for the organization. Everyone benefits: Youth Impact receives investigative research needed for federal grant applications (which they otherwise couldn't afford), and our students acquire invaluable service learning experiences. Dr. Kowalewski believes these experiences outside the classroom "re-energize faculty and open the door for our students to become more engaged citizens."

It comes in supporting anyone who desires a Weber State education. Brenda Dominguez '06 wanted a college degree despite the challenges: she's a full-time worker, parent of two, a first-generation college student and English is her second language. Academic support from teachers, financial support from scholarships and a flexible schedule allow her to raise her two daughters, serve as a mentor with Upward Bound, and maintain a 3.6 GPA on the way to her business education degree.

Weber State faculty will continue to help educate students and develop citizens who make our local communities -- and the world -- a better place intellectually, economically, socially, culturally. Brenda Dominguez, who feels support, encouragement, and that she's receiving an "opportunity to provide my children with a better future" through Weber State, captures it well:

"I want to be a role model and a mentor to young people with the same background of poverty I grew up in. I want to help them become aware of their potential to do better and greater things for themselves and their community."

We all share her dedication to serve as teachers and mentors, developing the potential of those with a passion for learning and for giving back to our communities in a myriad of ways. Imagine the tremendous power of what we can do, through our graduates, and what that means for the world.

Sincerely,

F. Ann Millner
President