Everything is much more complex today than it was when we were students. Just look at your phone, your computer network , your TV, your car. And it doesn't stop here; this trend will continue unabated. As a result, while national undergraduate enrollment may be flat, graduate enrollment continues to climb.

The nation's best universities recognize that and have built outstanding research engines and graduate programs in response. They have grown their endowments, brought internationally recognized scholars to their labs and classrooms, and built top-flight facilities where great ideas are fostered. Michigan Tech is focused on being one of these great universities—despite the decline in public funding.

Michigan Tech provided us with the educational foundation for a successful career. It put us through mental calisthenics, gave us hands-on experience, and challenged us with unstructured problems. It also gave us those winters, the people, the fun.

We all reflect the Michigan Tech brand. It's in our resumes and our bios; it's part of our reputation, our legacy. We all have a vested interest in seeing Michigan Tech be a nationally recognized institution.

I urge all of you to join me in giving Michigan Tech the resources, through the Generations of Discovery Campaign, to become the institution it needs to be to excel in tomorrow's complex world. We can all own its success.