"The other side of the economy’s historic recession may be called “the new norm,” which means that higher education, among many business sectors, will not be the same again. The dials will be reset and many campuses will operate differently. Many already have put into place significant operating cost reductions, delays in building projects, salary freezes, and limited or halted personnel searches.
St. Lawrence’s financial situation is different only in degree, not in kind.

"Our outlook for the current year forecasts a deficit that we are working hard and with good will to reduce through innumerable economies; our operating budget for the next five years will give way in very large dimensions unless we plan now and take action soon.

"I have said throughout the semester, from remarks at Convocation to thoughts expressed at Inauguration, that St. Lawrence already knows a history of success over adversity and that through its own creative energy and spirit of sacrifice the better way will clear and our best days will lay ahead of us."

President William L. Fox
December 2, 2009