Last Wednesday CSU President Tony Frank, in his annual “State of the University” address to RCFC, started by challenging us all to think about why we are Rotarians, and thanking “our” club (Tony is a RCFC member) for all we do to improve our community and world.  (Tony also noted that our rendition of the CSU fight song was the 2nd worst he had ever heard, following only his own acapella version many years ago...) 
 
Dr. Frank went on to stress the impact of higher education on personal satisfaction, income, employment, taxes paid and other key metrics, then reviewed some key CSU statistics: 
  • 70% of entering freshmen graduate from CSU, and another 15% typically graduate from another 4-year university.
  • 44% of CSU grads leave with no school debt.
  • Of those who leave CSU with debt, the average is $22,000 - $1000 below national averages for public schools.
  • 80% of CSU grads have a job in their field of study within 6 months.
  • The cost to educate a student at CSU today has increased only 4%, adjusted for inflation, over the last 20 years.
  • However, 20 years ago the state paid 2/3 of the cost.  Today students fund 70% of their educational expenses.
  • Through CSU’s Commitment to Colorado program, students whose family has an adjusted gross income of $33K or less (poverty level) pay no tuition at CSU. 
  • 95% of grads say they would do it all over again.
Dr. Frank also touched on CSU’s world-class research, a recent upgrade to CSU’s bond rating, and the major development projects on the south side of the campus. 
 
Tony closed with three stories of diverse students, all saying thanks for their CSU experience.  RCFC says Thanks to Dr. Frank and his staff for joining us last week, and for their exceptional leadership through CSU.  We are lucky, aren’t we.