A recent Arizona Board of Regents publication said education was not only an economic issue, but the social, the political and the cultural issue of our time. Yet the higher education investments of individuals and communities reap substantial personal and societal benefits. Communities can realize increased productivity, competitiveness and prosperity. Net return on personal expenditures to earn a bachelor’s degree far exceeds the return on stock market investments.

It is the goal of ASU — the New American University — to ensure the best possible education to the broadest possible spectrum of society. Eighty percent of Arizona high school graduates choosing Arizona’s university system now select Arizona State. This fall ASU’s Tempe campus had the nation’s largest single campus enrollment at 51,612 students.

As to legislative concerns, it is relevant to know that thousands of students currently enrolled at ASU have not been funded by state appropriations. Arizona is also one of few states not providing formula funding for university capital outlay, requiring instead use of lease purchase and revenue bonding. Without additional monies, ASU cannot fund bond debt service for pressing classroom needs at the Polytechnic Campus in Mesa.

On March 14, 2006 Phoenix voters approved seven bond propositions. Proposition 3 authorized funds for the expansion of the ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus and expenditures for medical and pharmacy programs of the University of Arizona. Other propositions authorized open space purchases, park improvements and the renovation of downtown civic space relevant to the planned ASU expansion.

With myriad demands on public funding, knowledgeable advocates may impact governmental fiscal policies. In 1958, Arizona voters enacted an initiative to change Arizona State College to Arizona State University. At no time since have awareness, electoral participation and public discussion of higher education issues offered greater potential benefit for the future of our state and university. Civic engagement is essential to advance public policy choices, which support university students and Arizona economic opportunities.

Sandra Day ’65, ’73 M.P.A.
2005-2006 Alumni Association Chair