October 1, 2008
 UC San Diego has had a tremendously positive impact on our community — locally, regionally and beyond. And for a university less than 50 years old, we have achieved so much, so fast. Now we have the hard data that show the immense benefits created by our campus.
UC San Diego Enhances Lives,
Positively Impacts our Economy
UC San Diego is proud to share the results of a major study on the university’s economic impact and benefits that enhance our local community, the region and the state. The Economic Impact Report was publicly released at a news conference on Sept. 30. Among the attendees were Mayor Jerry Sanders and several economic experts.
The report was created by CBRE Consulting Inc., a company we contracted to study and measure our success in the fiscal year 2006-07. The information in the Economic Impact Report reveals the billions of dollars injected into the economy, tens of thousands of jobs created, and dozens of start-up companies formed by university faculty, alumni and students, in addition to our advanced patient-care services, innovative drug therapies and top-quality education.
A few of the major highlights include: UC San Diego contributed $7.2 billion in direct and indirect spending and personal income, and created more than 39,000 jobs in the State of California. In San Diego County, UC San Diego contributed $5.7 billion in direct and indirect spending and personal income, and created more than 33,600 jobs. At least 193 companies have been founded by UC San Diego faculty or alumni — 67 of which are active, public companies in California generating more than $10.2 billion in annual sales. UC San Diego is the third largest employer in the County, contributing to the economy more than $1.7 billion in salaries and wages. For more about UC San Diego’s economic impact and benefits, click here to access the full report and summary.
State Budget Passed
California’s economic growth relies on the University of California to meet the state’s future workforce needs and develop innovations that create new industries, businesses, products and jobs. In fact, for every dollar the state invests in higher education, the state’s economy receives a $3 net return on investment. In turn, the University relies on State funding to attract the world’s best and brightest faculty and students, educate the next generation of leaders and continue our cutting-edge research. So we were very pleased when Governor Schwarzenegger signed the long overdue state budget on Sept. 22. The budget for UC held flat this year, meaning the University will be funded at the same level as it was last year. The final 2008-09 state-funded operating budget for UC is $3.256 billion. But we are pleased that this year’s budget included an economic stimulus proposal with $204 million in funding for the University of California’s capital outlay program, including $26 million marked for the Rady School of Management Phase 2 construction. I want to thank all of our advocates — staff, faculty, students, alumni and friends of the university — who helped convey to their legislators and the governor UC San Diego’s importance to the region and state.
San Diego Supercomputer Center Supersized
The San Diego Supercomputer Center has been an integral part of UC San Diego and our community since its founding in 1985. It provides researchers with the 21st century tools needed to accomplish 21st century research, and students benefit from this unique resource in the field of cyberinfrastructure. And now, SDSC has expanded, doubling in size. The recent addition increased our machine room space and our already record-breaking cyberinfrastructure capacity, an amazing feat considering SDSC has the largest digital data-storage capacity of any academic center in the world. The expansion also adds more classrooms and allows us to house more researchers, from all over campus, under one roof. This will increase interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships, and help us educate future generations of computer science and engineering leaders.
SDSC’s addition also furthers our position as a leader in sustainability, as this is the first LEED Silver equivalent building launched at UC San Diego. This structure operates 53 percent more efficiently than California standards dictate. And the design has already earned a California Public Utilities Commission “Best Practices Award” at the annual Sustainability Conference. We’re proud to be home to the San Diego Supercomputer Center, which is poised to tackle the next generation of problems and challenges — including climate change, earthquake preparedness, and the development of new drugs to help combat some the world’s major diseases — and meet the critical need to manage and understand today’s deluge of data.
Supporting Student Scholarships
The Chancellor’s 5k Walk/Run for Scholars is one of my favorite annual events. It rallies and unites our campus and our community to raise scholarship money for promising students who may not be able to attend UC San Diego without private philanthropy. The 13th annual race will be held on Oct. 17 at 12:15 p.m. on the North Campus Field, adjacent to RIMAC. Keep your fingers crossed for sunny skies this year. You may remember last year’s event was postponed due to the October wildfires and then, on the rescheduled date, it rained cats and dogs. The wet weather dissuaded a few participants, but plenty still showed up to complete a shortened course and enjoyed lunch in the gym. Last year, the Chancellor’s 5k raised $239,140. Since its inception in 1996, the event has raised nearly $2 million for more than 700 undergraduate scholarships. This year, we will hold the Chancellor’s Champion Contest, which pits students, faculty, staff and alumni against each other in friendly competition. Each group is allowed to choose a representative runner, and the winner will receive a trophy and will be invited to join me for lunch at the Faculty Club. Don’t miss out on the fun this year, and thanks in advance to all of our walkers and runners who will lace up their shoes to help support our students. For more information about the 5k, click here.
Family Fun in the UC San Diego Sun
Calling all UC San Diego family members. I’d like to personally invite you to our first-ever, campus-wide Family Weekend Oct. 25 and 26. This is a great opportunity for parents and family members to see their loved ones in their college environment, and for students to show their relatives what life is like at UC San Diego. Family Weekend is sponsored by the Vice Chancellor — Student Affairs’ office and the offices of the six undergraduate college Provosts, and the organizers have put together quite a list of entertaining events. Activity options include brunch at the Faculty Club, lunch with the colleges, a performance at the La Jolla Playhouse, a visit to the Birch Aquarium, a night out at the men’s soccer game or the women’s volleyball match, and so much more. For the full list of activities and to register for Family Weekend at UC San Diego, click here.
I hope to see you on campus!
With warm regards,
Marye Anne Fox
Chancellor |
