At its meeting of May 5, 2008, the Academic Senate approved the following Sense of the Senate Resolution presented by Chair Lessow-Hurley for the Executive Committee.
Expressing our Appreciation of Don W. Kassing
Whereas, Don W. Kassing set aside his plans for retirement to serve as president of San José State University in a time of need; and
Whereas, he has served as a committed, collegial member of the Academic Senate; and
Whereas, he was president of San José State University during its successful celebration of the 150th anniversary year, and
Whereas, he has successfully encouraged us to think of his tenure as "our time," fostering a strong sense of pride in the entire campus community, and
Whereas, he has engaged the entire university community in open and constructive conversations about the university and its future, and
Whereas, through his example he has demonstrated the importance of “walking up to” challenges, and
Whereas, he successfully led the campus through a protracted and demanding accreditation process; and
Whereas, he has shown courage and principled leadership by supporting the campus non-discrimination policy and
Whereas, he has consistently supported a strategic planning process that has moved the University toward clarification and prioritization of goals and alignment of resources to priorities, and
Whereas, through his personal example and leadership he has promoted a sense of service to the university and to the broader community, and
Whereas, he has enhanced the stature of the University, inspiring whole-hearted community support and unprecedented donations; and
Whereas, his strong and thoughtful leadership, combined with fairness, honesty and good judgment have endeared him to the campus community; and
Whereas, he has spent an enormous amount of time out of the saddle on our behalf, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Academic Senate express its abiding affection, appreciation and gratitude to Don W. Kassing for his service as a Senator and as President of San José State University; and
Resolved, that the Academic Senate wish Don W. Kassing many joyful years of retirement.
APPROVED: Senate Executive Committee, April 14, 2008
VOTE: 12-0-0
PRESENT: Backer, Bros, Kaufman, Lee, Lessow-Hurley, McClory
Meldal, Najjar, Sigler, Sivertsen, Van Selst, Von Till
ABSENT: Henderson, Kassing, Phillips