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UC: Connecting to California's Communities The University of California is well known for its high-quality, affordable education and for its stellar research. What is not as widely recognized, but is equally impressive, is the major role UC plays in helping California solve problems critical to the state and its people. Since the University's inception, we have assumed a leadership role in applying the wealth of knowledge gained through research to pressing problems of the day and of the future. In response to the unprecedented events of the past year, our scientists and researchers have been called upon by the State to help with an array of issues ranging from bio-terrorism to research into solutions to the growing energy crisis. Over the last decade, at the request of governors, educators and parents, the University of California has contributed its expertise and research to improve the state's K-12 schools. Today's students will be tomorrow's leaders, and, if they are to succeed, they will require every educational opportunity and advantage we can give them. In addition, it is no coincidence that among research universities, UC leads the nation in the number of patents issued. The creative research that results in these patents is often conducted by faculty working in close collaboration with undergraduate and graduate students. Private industry increasingly is interested in taking advantage of our innovative research advances. A key development has been the initiative by Governor Gray Davis to create the California Institutes for Science and Innovation on UC's campuses. This exciting venture not only gives a competitive edge to California's industry, but provides exceptional opportunities for groundbreaking research on our campuses that will ultimately lead to solutions benefitting the state and the nation for decades to come. UC Day allows us to take our message to the legislature. I am pleased to invite our State legislators to attend these activities and to meet with alumni during UC Day. I also want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to our alumni for their dedication to UC and for being willing to contribute their time to participate in this valuable event. Richard C. Atkinson, |