University President Elizabeth Hoffman focused her annual remarks on the strong case university faculty, staff and students can make for the institution's importance to Colorado.

Hoffman delivered her annual Fall Forum, “CU Vision 2010: A Culture of Excellence,” to a packed house at the Tivoli Student Union in September.

Hoffman concentrated much of her talk on budget issues facing the institution and the importance of the University as an economic driver for the state and region. The downtown Denver campus – with its quality, comprehensive undergraduate education and diversity – is an integral part of the total university, she said.

Hoffman walked forum attendees through the multiple ways that the University of Colorado is a leader in teaching, research and economic development in Colorado. For the downtown Denver campus, she pointed out the important emphasis on teaching and the undergraduate experience, the sharp increase in grant application and acceptance and the importance of diversity and first-generation students. She attributed those successes to the faculty.

“My number one priority is to maintain the quality of our faculty during this transformation into whatever type of university we will be. That is the future of this institution,” she said. “Without great faculty, students won’t come.”

Hoffman said that while the budget picture looks difficult and isn’t likely to improve dramatically in the next year, there is intent in the state capitol building to hold higher education harmless from cuts again this session.

She stressed that if the state doesn’t solve its funding crisis, the cost to higher education – especially within the community college system – could be great. But Hoffman said she remains committed to the public nature of the University of Colorado system and will continue to fight to keep the institution's constitutional status, even in these tough economic times.

“Whatever happens to funding, we have a responsibility to the people of Colorado,” she said. “I will fight hard to maintain constitutional status. It’s important to the state and to the history of the university.”