It is always gratifying to see your dreams become realities. When I shared my vision for Texas A&M University-Commerce some months ago, I observed that we have a heritage and a commitment to serve "the community."

The University cannot survive in isolation. We must forge new partnerships—educational, financial, and political—and we must build on those that have served us well in the past. Among our most important alliances is a century-old partnership with our host community.

The futures of A&M-Commerce and Commerce, Texas are inextricably intertwined. For the University to continue to grow in size and stature, our host city also must thrive and prosper. That is why I am so proud of the progress taking place in Commerce today, and I am elated that the University is contributing to it.

A Super Wal-Mart is being constructed on the campus perimeter at the southwest corner of the intersection of SH 50 and Culver St. (Loop 178). The University sold 13 acres to Wal-Mart to facilitate this project marking the first time that we have sold any of the University’s 1,800-plus acres.

Our decision to depart from tradition was influenced by the fact that this expansion will bring a minimum of 200 new part-time jobs to Commerce. Many of those jobs will provide important employment opportunities for our students when the super center opens this fall. Construction on this tract also will have a very important positive impact on Commerce’s property tax rolls.

You also may have heard that the Commerce ISD is building a beautiful new high school that will open this fall. That construction also is taking place on "university land" that is being leased to the school district. This state-of-the-art educational complex on Loop 178 will strengthen the community’s educational program and our partnership with Commerce ISD.

Within the next several months, a national chain motel will begin taking shape on University land adjacent to the new Wal-Mart. We are in the final stages of negotiating details of that project with an experienced lodging developer and anticipate completion of construction by next spring.

Community beautification, especially along Monroe and Live Oak streets adjacent to the campus, also is a priority. Our goal is to provide leadership to this initiative and to downtown revitalization without being intrusive. We hope that you will share our pride in the great advances that are changing the face of your university and your hometown-away-from-home.