Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I have always found the parable of the talents somewhat intimidating. The more you have, the more you are expected to do with what you have. We are mere stewards of the gifts God has given us. The challenge is to know what we are to do with our “talents”. At least we know not to dig a hole and bury our gifts. While the Gospel reading uses “talent” to refer to a large sum of money, our modern use of the word refers to ability.
    
If you are already involved in a church, school, or other community organization, you are to be commended. You already know the joy of participating in a worthwhile endeavor. I particularly salute those of you who volunteer with youth sports. I have seen the joy on the faces of my children and their team mates, all brought on by the hard work of caring adults. If you are not presently involved in an organization, I would like to invite you to participate in Research Associates. While your contributions are helpful and appreciated, we would also like to see you at our annual breakfast meetings. I am sure you would find your time on campus rewarding. Do you have any words of wisdom to impart to the present PLNU generation that is pursuing a career in the sciences? You will find the students very receptive.

Because tuition expenses are constantly on the rise, the RA Board decided at its November, 2005 meeting that, effective on July 1, 2006 and unless the donor designates otherwise, part of each gift to Research Associates (25%) will go to the Endowed Scholarship Fund, so that this source of scholarship aid to science majors will experience more steady growth. The majority of gifts that are received (75%) will still go into the General Fund in support of the summer research programs.

Remember that any gift amount is of value and helps further the cause of science education at PLNU. It is also important to note that the giving rate of alumni is one of the factors used by U.S. News and World Report in their ranking of colleges. Your personal feeling toward the ranking of schools may be ambivalent, but many potential applicants use these rankings as a resource in their college application process.

The University has made fund raising for a new science building a priority. This is a huge project but it is necessary for the long-term success of the Biology and Chemistry programs. There will naturally be an appeal for funds. But in addition, has your career brought you in contact with any potential large donors? The ability to foster these types of professional relationships is certainly a special talent.

Research Associates can be a time and labor intensive undertaking if you want it to be. At the same time, remember the axiom that “You get out of it what you put into it.” I encourage you to use your “talents” in this very worthwhile cause.

Thank you for your continued support of the Research Associates.

Ed Gutierrez, M.D.
Chair 2004-2006.

To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one – to each according to his ability. Matthew 25: 15.