Official Greetings
Following are excerpts of the official greetings from government leaders and campus and community representatives.
Chumash Elder Alan Salazar
"It's a great honor and pleasure to be here today... I will start the proceedings with a prayer of blessing.
"I pray to the great Spirit, Mother Earth for the power of the four directions. To all my relatives, to all my ancestors, to all the ancestors of the people here, to my power animals and spirit helpers; to all those who love me. I pray today for guidance, strength, and wisdom, peace, love and patience.
"The Chumash people have lived here for thousands of years, respected the land and respected the people. I pray for our elders and our young people. As someone who is proud of being Native American and proud of both, I pray for all our leaders — not just the President of the University, but all our leaders in America and all of our soldiers who are protecting us I wish finish with three words.
"We will all love. We will all believe. We will all be strong. Thank you."
U.S. Congresswoman Lois Capps
"The country itself is proud, and that is what I want to leave you with today The country is proud to salute you from Congress, where I was yesterday, from the House of Representatives and the Senate, you are an example of what this democracy stands for: The hopes for the future built upon the cherished traditions of the past.
"I want to single out one esteemed colleague of mine: former Congressman Lagomarsino, and that tells you something of the history of this dream that has now become a reality. And through the years the effort that has gone on and the support that has come from all different places to make this happen today."
California State Senator Jack O'Connell
"I want to congratulate our president, President Rush, who had done such an outstanding job following the path that was laid for him by his predecessor, President Evans. This is a joyous occasion for us, one for great celebration and one where we know we are making a positive difference on the lives of the students who will be here for generations to come.
"In President Rush, we have the right man for the right job at the right time. Congratulations, President Rush."
California State Assemblywoman Fran Pavley
"I want to especially congratulate all of you who have worked so hard over the last several years in bringing this dream of establishing a four-year, CSU campus in Ventura County a reality.
"I know you'll be in very good hands with Dr. Rush. I look forward to working with all of you in the future as your representative in Sacramento. Thank you very much for including me in this wonderful day."
Debra Farar, CSU Board of Trustees Vice-Chair
"I feel especially privileged to be a part of today's celebration because I served on the search committee along with some of you here and for the selection of the president of the CSU Channel Islands. I am proud to have been a part of the process that brought President Rush here and to be able to share in the celebration of the beginning of our new University. Again, congratulations and best wishes to everyone here today. We have seen our dream become a reality."
Dr. Marvalene Hughes, President, CSU Stanislaus
"This occasion is an inauguration. It is a time for the community to greet its new leader. It is a time for bonding, and Richard, I'd like to say to you, this bonding should be a wonderful bonding. You and I have come full circle. We are back in California and I welcome you home."
Pat Richards, Chair of the Foundation Board
Awarded Volunteer of the Year by the Association of Fund Raising Professionals for Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties
"Over 30 years ago, Senator Bob [Lagomarsino] and other community leaders that are here today set the wheels in motion ...
"... All of a sudden this opportunity opened up to us, and Fate led us to this perfect spot. So we'll not only be the finest university in the United States, we will be the most beautiful. Along with that good luck, the right people at the right time came along. There was Dr. Joyce Kennedy; Handel Evans our planning president, and as Larry Gould promised, the right person for the right job. Dr. Richard Rush is truly a man of intellect, purpose, wit, vision, all things we're going to need going forward. Congratulations to Dr. Rush."
John Broome Jr., member of one of the pioneering families of this region
"Dr. Rush, on behalf of all the residents of Ventura County, we welcome you with open arms and hearts and to one of the most beautiful regions in the country. This institution is a testament to the many individuals who have worked over 30 years to provide Ventura County's first four-year, public university. We entrust in your hands not only this campus, but also the students who will walk through these halls in search of a better future for themselves, their families, and their community. Congratulations and best wishes."
Professor Dennis Muraoka, Chair of the Faculty Senate, extending greetings on behalf of the faculty
"We are honored to have been selected by you to work with you to build the first comprehensive public university in this region. We encourage you to continue to work with us to build a forward-looking university for the 21st century that will meet the needs and dreams of the citizens of the region, and in addition will be of the quality that it will attract students and scholars from around the world. Congratulations Dr. Rush."
Dr. George Morten, Director of Career Development, Student Health Services, Disabilty Accommodations and Counseling & Psychological Services, extending greetings on behalf of the staff
"The fact that faculty, staff, and students are represented here together speaks volumes of our President. It says that he's committed to building a campus community that values the contributions of all its members: faculty, staff, and of course, our students. We are a diverse campus community of various ethnic groups, lifestyles, and cultures. We stand united with our President in his leadership and vision for our university. We have worked extremely hard in the last few months and there is much more work to do. But we are excited — energized — by the high expectations that we set for ourselves."
Eleanora (Nora) J. Bruno, first student officially admitted to CSUCI, extending greetings on behalf of the students
"We, the students of the first class have chosen Channel Islands to fulfill our academic goals and to make each and every one of our own personal dreams become a reality here on this campus. President Rush, this university is entering a new frontier in higher education, and we are fortunate to have you guiding the way. As you perform the duties of your position as the first President of Channel Islands, we wish you courage, strength, and wisdom for the challenges ahead.
"There is an anonymous quote that I think about quite often, and I would like to share it with you today. "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it, you will land among the stars."