Dear Alumni and Friends,

“The art of progress,” according to philosopher Alfred North Whitehead, “is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid order.”

In the name of progress, the college is managing many changes right now–from a merger between University of Toledo and Medical University of Ohio (formerly Medical College of Ohio) that impacts the nursing program to a new master's degree in criminal justice that is being offered online.

Both are changes that move the college forward and provide additional opportunities for students, faculty, alumni and friends. Within this edition of Signature , you can read about the strength of the nursing consortium between BGSU and the two merged institutions. The collaboration among the institutions is creating an even-stronger partnership, while for the nursing students, the transition is virtually seamless.

Additionally, you can learn how the criminal justice program is keeping pace with technology by starting to offer the online master's degree program taught by BGSU faculty members, and about the college's new specialization in health care administration that has been added to the Applied Health Science degree.

Progress is also evident in areas such as alumni support. Last spring's telefund calls to alumni resulted in new dollars to support funds within the college and an amazing 32 percent participation rate.

Within this issue, I also am pleased to recognize the incredible talents of the Health and Human Services Advocates Board. This group of alumni and friends of the college comes together a few times of year to discuss how we can continue to advance the college and still maintain our mission of service to students and the community. We are always looking for individuals interested in advancing the college.

As the College of Health and Human Services prepares to celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2008, we thank each of you for the support you provide, helping us create and achieve a progressive vision for the college.

Warm Regards.

Linda Petrosino, Dean