Letter from the chairperson

Dear Alumni Advocates for Higher Education and Towson University:

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued commitment to our alma mater, Towson University. Your commitment to Towson University, as well as the Towson Advocacy Program, continues to be a testament to the quality of education provided by our wonderful institution. With the current economic conditions and state budget constraints, your support of Towson University is more important than ever.

This week Governor O'Malley unveiled his FY 2010 budget proposal for the State of Maryland. In a message to the USM Community, Chancellor William E. Kirwan informed us that the Governor's proposed budget would restore $30 million of general funds cut from the USM's FY 2009 operating budget; and also includes an additional $27.3 million increase in general funds for FY 2010. The budget plan, if approved, would enable the USM to hold tuition flat for in-state, full-time undergraduate students for the fourth consecutive year. To view the entire letter from the Chancellor, and to learn about the fiscal funding it will afford higher education in Maryland, please click here.

In these times of economic difficulty, it is important for alumni to support the strides that are made in favor of higher education. In light of the commitment it offers to the university, we would encourage alumni to support funding of the Governor's proposed budget in the Maryland General Assembly. The impact that you have as an alumna/ alumnus to our university is immeasurable.

The Towson University network is constantly growing. We boast over 70,000 alumni in the state of Maryland alone. As enrollment growth takes place, Towson is also creating physical changes that will enable the University to respond to the ever-changing student needs. In 2003, President Caret unveiled his "Towson University 2010: Mapping the Future." One of the main goals of this plan is conveying Towson's message to the external community. This is where we, as advocates, can make the biggest impact. We are the statewide spokespersons for the university, and need to bring that message to our legislators. Our main goal is to tell our elected officials that we need their help in supporting the continued educational and economic development of Towson University.

We know that along with your support, we can fulfill our goals in keeping with Towson University's educational excellence.

We would like to thank you in advance for your continued commitment to TAP's goal of a successful 2009 legislative session. If you should have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 410-704-2234 or e-mail to: alumni@towson.edu.

Sincerely,

Constance Kihm '95

New in the News

Read up on the latest higher education issues that have appeared in the news recently:

• Groups call on lawmakers to preserve education funding --The Baltimore Sun
• O'Malley releases $14.4 billion budget --The Gazette
• Presidential race raised student political involvement --USA Today
• State leaders looking for federal money to close budget deficit --The Daily Record
• Slideshow: Annapolis celebrates the presidential inauguration --The Daily Record
• Unemployment Leads To Greater College Enrollment --Your4State.com
• The Annapolis Agenda --The Baltimore Sun
• TU named a top 50 "best value" public university by Princeton Review --USA Today

Towson University 2010

In August 2008, Towson University opened the doors of two new residence halls in the West Village section of campus. Harriet Tubman and William Paca Houses provide residence to 668 freshmen and sophomores in a state-of-the art facility complete with en suite bathrooms and lounges on each floor with wi-fi access. Built through public/private partnership the residence halls are managed by Capstone Management and TU Housing and Residence Life.

2010 | construction projects | campus master plan

Legislative Bills

The following bills have been introduced to the legislature recently:

• College Textbook Competition and Affordability Act of 2009. SB 183 / HB 85 Schedule for hearing in Senate EHEA on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 1:00 P.M.
• Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2009.  SB 166 / HB 101 House: Appropriations
• Higher Education - Tuition Charges - Maryland High School Students.  SB 41 introduced by Senator Harrington.  Assigned to Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs.
• Supplemental Retirement Plans and Optional Retirement Program - Employing Institutions - Community Colleges.  SB 66  Assigned to Budget and Taxation.