Dear Buffs,

Today, I am writing to ask for your help and input. As we explore the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and prepare for our second century of providing superior education to the citizens of the Panhandle and State, we are in the process of planning the direction our University will take in the future. Over the next three months, we will be traveling to cities throughout Texas to meet with alumni and friends seeking help in designing a future that will continue to meet the high ideals of WT and best serve the students and people of the State of Texas.

To receive your input, I have recruited Walt Eilers of Gardner and Associates to work with our Institutional Advancement staff to host Focus Groups and Alumni receptions in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Amarillo and Pampa. These events are designed to provide me with your ideas and recommendations for the future of our University and I am very much looking forward to the results.

I hope you will accept this invitation to participate. In my three years at WT, I have been most impressed by the enthusiasm and devotion that our Alumni have for this University which is why I am seeking your sincere and candid opinions. I am confident we share a commitment to a bright and positive future for WT and I am certain the quickest road to a bright future is by working together.

With the 2010 Centennial Celebration of West Texas A&M University quickly approaching and the excitement growing stronger each day, this will be a very special time to be associated with the University. The Centennial Celebration will provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the tremendous history of WT while also looking ahead to how this University will continue to serve the Panhandle region, the Texas A&M University System, and the State of Texas. I thank you in advance for your participation and your help in this important effort.

For more information on our Focus Group and Alumni events, please contact the Institutional Advancement office at 806-651-2068 with any questions you may have or to reserve your seat for the focus group session that best fits your schedule. For information on specific locations and times and for additional information regarding the Focus Groups, please visit our web site at www.wtamu.edu/alumni.

Sincerely,

J. Patrick O’Brien