August 27, 2010
Dear Alumni, Colleagues and Friends:
In my 27 years here, I have served this great University in many different capacities, including as a
faculty member, Research Center Director, Dean and Provost. It is with this background and a great
sense of responsibility that I embrace my appointment as Interim President of Stevens Institute of
Technology.
 Our motto – per aspera ad astra – translates to through adversity to the stars. I believe that "to the
stars" actually means "to greatness." We have many impressive stories to tell: today Stevens has the largest number of undergraduate students and graduate enrollment in University history; the most select student body; the highest level of externally funded research; and the largest number of NSF
funded projects. For these, and the numerous other accomplishments we've achieved, we should
be extremely proud. But we mustn't let the momentum subside as there is a difference between
being great and achieving greatness. We will have achieved greatness when the Stevens name is
synonymous with greatness in the minds of our peers and our community.
I firmly believe that Stevens is on the path from being great to achieving greatness. I have identified
five fundamental principles that will guide us in charting our course seamlessly and successfully.
First, the community should have a shared and coherent vision in which we can all believe and
support. Second, we need one Stevens for all – unity of purpose, intent and values across the entire
community. Third, we will strive to be a community that embraces excellence in all facets of our
operations, where the bar will be set high for the execution of plans and expected goals. Fourth, we
should be a community that innovates in all that we do, continuing the legacy of the last 140 years
since our founding. Finally, Stevens should be a community that looks and feels unique, is not afraid
of debating issues, shares high spirits and positive morale, and embraces the process of change.
In my position as Interim President, I will make great efforts to instill these principles into our
everyday operational life and ultimately, into our culture. We will continue to focus on targeted,
strategic investments, with revitalized emphasis on communications and outreach to all of our
constituents, especially our alumni, during this critical period of transition.
The path to greatness is not always an easy one. But like our founders envisioned when they set
forth our motto, together we will overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
Sincerely,
Dr. George P. Korfiatis
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