Exactly! June 30 marks the conclusion of the fiscal year of most colleges and universities -including Hiwassee. This turning of the calendar affords me an option to offer some reflections on the year about to conclude.

Hiwassee provided quality education for students from around the world. The January visiting team affirmed our program: "The Visiting Team commends the Institution for providing a variety of student services that enhance the educational, social, spiritual, moral and physical development of the student."

Hiwassee was the most ethnically and internationally diverse campuses in Tennessee, with 30 percent of our student body coming from outside the United States.
• Baccalaureate degrees were reinstated, after a 100-year break.
• Hiwassee students engaged in mission and service projects in the region, and several students participated in a mission trip to Haiti.
• The college reached the budgeted goal for gifts and grants.  Unfortunately, however, several friends of the college "sat on the sidelines" rather than help.
• Accreditation progress continued.
• The college began work with the Council on Dental Accreditation (CODA) regarding the approval of our developing dental hygiene program.
• The college met all payroll and financial obligations.
• The United Methodist Churches of the Holston Conference raised more than $115,000 in a special offering.
The New Year holds promise.
We anticipate positive accreditation action from two bodies in November.
• Enrollment projections for the coming year are quite promising.
• An English as Second Language (ESL) program partnership with a Methodist university in Korea will come into being.
• A conservative, fully-balanced budget will guide the college's fiscal matters.
• An anticipated gift to the college will provide new options for conservation programs.

Someone told me, "Determination is realizing that one's present struggles are essential for future achievements. Over the years, Hiwassee has faced many challenges and struggles. We are making it through the challenges.  It is responding to the opportunities. Join us for an exciting new year.