Let’s take a step back for a minute.

An academic year is a whirlwind. So much happens in the Boston University community that it’s nearly impossible to keep track of it all. This is why it’s valuable, now and then, to pause. Take a breath. And reflect on what we’re accomplishing in such a diverse, exciting environment.

That’s the idea behind this year’s Annual Report. It tries in every way possible to answer the fundamental query, “What are we doing here?” Inside you’ll find a hundred different answers, each of which typifies the incredible ventures undertaken by people in the BU community. You’ll also see why, despite a challenging financial climate last year, the University fared incredibly well. Indeed, we had a record year. Our success over the last several years is the foundation for our approach to the worsening economic climate we all are experiencing.

This year’s report takes you into new territory, too. We devote a section to our athletic successes, both intramural and intercollegiate. We also spend some time discussing the relationship we have with our home community, the city of Boston.

Perhaps the most compelling addition to this year’s Annual Report is this website. Watch and listen to members of the community tell their stories and show you unique facets of the BU experience. Some of the videos are incredible. Some entertaining. Some insightful. Certainly all are illuminating and illustrate just what, indeed, we are doing here.

The most important point to make is this: what we do, we do well. That’s due in large part to the community’s embrace of the Strategic Plan that we unveiled in spring 2007. It is a blueprint for creating the energy for everything going on at Boston University. With the videos and the report itself, you’ll see all the ways the Strategic Plan is working.

Inevitably, I get asked some version of the “What are we doing here?” question everywhere I go. My answer these days? We’re succeeding. Magnificently.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Brown
President