I want to thank everyone who played a part in the Renaissance at Rensselaer: the Campaign for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the most ambitious campaign in our history, in which we met – and exceeded – our $1.4 billion goal.

Following my investiture as 18th President of Rensselaer in September 1999, I gave an inaugural address outlining the direction this historic university must take in order to succeed – and lead – as an enterprise in the 21st century.

I challenged the Rensselaer community to extend our legacy of leadership in technological education and scholarship, and to move Rensselaer to the top ranks of the world’s great technological universities. I asked us to expand basic research as a public trust, and to balance it with great teaching, because these are the “clasped hands” of a fully realized university. I asked us to expand our capabilities into biotechnology, and to create a balance across the full range of disciplines. I asked us to build a robust residential undergraduate experience to educate sophisticated graduates with a global view. These were among the foundational ideas of The Rensselaer Plan, our blueprint for the 21st century. To achieve our vision, we launched Renaissance at Rensselaer: The Campaign for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Today the Renaissance is a reality, and Rensselaer has witnessed a veritable transformation with some of the world’s finest students and faculty, leading-edge programs, and unprecedented platforms for research and campus life. We have made a significant leap forward toward the full realization of The Rensselaer Plan. While we have accomplished much, Rensselaer needs your partnership more than ever.

On behalf of the faculty, the staff, and most of all, the students of Rensselaer, thank you for your part in changing the world. I look forward to your continued commitment in the coming year and beyond.

Sincerely,

Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D.
President
Professor of Physics
Professor of Engineering Sciences