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Catherine Polydore

Dear Fellow Graduate Student,

It is indeed an honor and a privilege to address you as President of the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) of Texas Tech University. For those of you who are new to campus: welcome, bienvenir, bien venidos, well you get the idea. You have made a great choice, and we would like to help make your stay here as comfortable as possible. GPSA aspires to be the voice and governing body of graduate students at Tech, going across disciplines. With 100% membership comprising graduate students, GPSA recognizes the unique needs of its membership and work towards addressing those needs. It has been a very rocky road, as with any other young organization of its magnitude, but the successes are mounting.

The future of GPSA is a bright one. Fires have been ignited and dwindling flames rekindled. I have every confidence that the current Executive Council, along with the help of the individuals who have fervently expressed support, GPSA will be the graduate student governing body at Texas Tech University. I have a vision of GPSA. In this vision I see secure funding to be used solely for graduate students activities (research symposiums, presentations at conferences etc.), intricate networking, a skill proven repeatedly to be invaluable for success in any career (this will be facilitated by the compilation of a database of the expertise present among graduate students on tech campus). I see increased fellowships/scholarship and assistantship opportunities (If we can't find you one will direct you to resources). I see more competitive stipends. I see international student sponsorship as a collaborative effort with the Office of International Affairs (OIA). I see active membership in the Organization of American States (OAS) for those of us who are thinking globally. I see a graduate journal where we can publish student's work across disciplines; visits for presentation by renowned experts on the art of personal success. And the list can go on. What I am saying is that we are at a great time now, the "stem cells" can give rise to a myriad of fully functional systems. I, and the other members of the executive council, the Graduate School and some others who share our vigor, are committed to increasing in a positive manner, the Graduate Student's experience on Tech Campus. I am right there on the ship, as it sets sail and I am hoping that you will decide to be right on there with me.

The dream is NOT unattainable. We want to help you. We will do the door knocking. What we ask of you is to volunteer your time, your talents (for example the computer geniuses among us), attend meetings. You have made the first step, you are here. The question is what will you do next? The challenge is out there. With this I wish you luck in your academic endeavors and a pleasantly memorable graduate experience.

Regards,

Catherine L.Polydore
GPSA President

My Curriculum Vitae