WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.000 scissor cut, applause 00:00:02.000 --> 00:00:06.000 This is an incredibly important day for all of us. 00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:10.000 WOU:Salem is the result of a successful collaboration 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:13.000 between Western Oregon University and the City of Salem. 00:00:13.000 --> 00:00:17.000 And actually rather a long time coming. 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:22.000 As an alum of both Western Oregon University and the City of Salem, 00:00:22.000 --> 00:00:24.000 having a presence here in the downtown area 00:00:24.000 --> 00:00:26.000 has been a long time dream of mine. 00:00:26.000 --> 00:00:29.000 And our mission is to provide lasting opportunities 00:00:29.000 --> 00:00:32.000 for student success through transformational 00:00:32.000 --> 00:00:34.000 education and personalized support. 00:00:34.000 --> 00:00:36.000 So what we mean by that is, 00:00:36.000 --> 00:00:39.000 when students enroll at Western, they graduate. 00:00:39.000 --> 00:00:41.000 They earn degrees and become part of the communities 00:00:41.000 --> 00:00:44.000 that we all love and care about. 00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:48.000 And that's what Western has done for decades going back to 1856, 00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:50.000 the oldest public university in the state of Oregon. 00:00:50.000 --> 00:00:54.000 That tradition, that DNA is deep and is strong. 00:00:54.000 --> 00:00:57.000 And this location is now a way in which we 00:00:57.000 --> 00:00:59.000 can really provide more access. 00:00:59.000 --> 00:00:62.000 Access, opportunity, student success. 00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:05.000 As President Fuller said, yes, my office 00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:07.000 is walking distance form this campus. 00:01:07.000 --> 00:01:10.000 I do wish that that was here when I was going to school. 00:01:10.000 --> 00:01:14.000 But I am so happy for all the students who live 00:01:14.000 --> 00:01:16.000 in this area and will have the opportunity 00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:18.000 to enjoy this campus. 00:01:18.000 --> 00:01:20.000 Not only are we providing hybrid courses to 00:01:20.000 --> 00:01:23.000 provide students with more flexibility and Covid safety, 00:01:23.000 --> 00:01:26.000 but this campus will give opportunities those who are unable 00:01:26.000 --> 00:01:29.000 to attend classes during the day by offering evening courses. 00:01:29.000 --> 00:01:31.000 Give those who may have taken a break from college a chance 00:01:31.000 --> 00:01:35.000 to hop back in with an easier path to degree completion. 00:01:35.000 --> 00:01:39.000 Create less of a commute to those who are already located within the area. 00:01:39.000 --> 00:01:41.000 And also give opportunities to earn certificates 00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:44.000 and master's degrees geared towards their careers. 00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:48.000 We are within walking distance within 1000s of state employees 00:01:48.000 --> 00:01:52.000 and others that work in downtown Salem. 00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:55.000 We have major opportunities in this building 00:01:55.000 --> 00:01:57.000 to reach out to that group. 00:01:57.000 --> 00:01:60.000 And we've already states conversations with DAS 00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:04.000 and with the unions SEIU, ASCME and the other unions 00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:07.000 as a way to do workforce development, 00:02:07.000 --> 00:02:10.000 and help state agencies grow their own workforce. 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:14.000 In today's labor market that will be critically important. 00:02:14.000 --> 00:02:19.000 This is a really fantastic opportunity for the residents of Salem 00:02:19.000 --> 00:02:23.000 and the mid-Willamette Valley as a whole to have 00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:30.000 moving across the river into Salem. 00:02:30.000 --> 00:02:34.000 I really congratulate Western on this and look 00:02:34.000 --> 00:02:37.000 forward to a tremendous future in cooperation 00:02:37.000 --> 00:02:39.000 with the city and state governments. 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:41.000 And so, thank you very much for being here 00:02:41.000 --> 00:02:43.000 and for his opportunity.