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The following is a letter from Mark Yudof, the new UC president, who takes office today (June 16).

Dear Friends:

As one of my first acts today, my first day as president of the °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ, I write to extend my good wishes to all of you in the UC community.

I chose to come to the °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ because it is the premier public university in the world, with ten vibrant and robust campuses, and it is an institution that has had and will continue to have a profound impact on the lives of the tens of millions who call California home. I can think of no more exciting place to be in American higher education. You can be very proud of the institution you have helped to build.

As we look ahead, I see great opportunities for this university – opportunities to continue building its academic quality; to better demonstrate its effectiveness and relevance to its constituents, the people of California; to continue providing access to deserving students of all backgrounds; and to further expand the frontiers of discovery in exciting new ways. I believe in a system office that supports these activities by facilitating the work of the campuses, providing coordination when useful, and seeking always to add value.

I have been at work for several weeks beginning to get to know the University and its people, and I will be getting around to visit all of the campuses in the coming months. A formal schedule has not yet been set, but in the meantime, I invite you stay in touch through my Web site, which has gone up today at www.universityofcalifornia.edu/president/.

Thank you for all you do for the °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ. I am delighted to be joining this extraordinary community.

Sincerely,

Mark G. Yudof

President