Dear Friends,

A year. Such a long expanse of time in a world we now know can change in the few seconds it takes a building to collapse and a billowing plume of smoke and ash and souls to rise up in its place.

Sept. 11, 2001. It was a defining day for the nation and the world. It also was a defining day for the Herberger College of Fine Arts. Over the course of the 2001-2002 year, the events of 9-11 further clarified who we are and why we are here. Other forces shaped the year for the college as well. Changes – Lattie Coor’s retirement as president of ASU and the appointment of Michael Crow to the post. Challenges – deep, ongoing cuts to state funding for the university, which continue to impact our programs directly.

Why and how do we continue to do what we do in times of tragedy and horror…in times of internal change…during economic uncertainty?

I said the following words to May 2001 graduates of the college, four months to the day before 9-11: “In an age where military strengths and violence and terrorism and political allegiances are ever-present concerns, it is the artist who will lift our spirits, touch our souls and help us see the world with fresh eyes. It is the artist who will help us look inside ourselves and outside at the world, to remind us what it really means to be human. It is the artist who will help us celebrate life – not only as it is, but also as it might be.”

Once, in explaining why she donated money to the college that is now her namesake, Kax Herberger said, “Because art survives.” Art does, indeed, survive. Those who destroy leave broken lives and rubble. Those who create, in whatever field, leave lasting legacies. As you turn the pages of this report and take a glimpse into the year that was, you’ll see that the Herberger College of Fine Arts searched for opportunities.

We chose to create… … Forums and performance events that would enable faculty, students, staff and community members to explore together the role of the arts in coping with terror and tragedy and find direction in this sea of change. … An arts program for K-12 schools, many whose arts programs have been reduced or eliminated as a result of cuts to state and federal funding for education. … A nationally significant center for the research and study of ceramics. … An alumni chapter aimed at building community among graduates in art, dance, music and theatre and nurturing current students within those disciplines. … A relationship with legendary trumpeter Doc Severinsen, who was named distinguished visiting professor of music for the 2001-2002 year.

Throughout the year, we also continued all our scheduled performances, our research, our creative activities. We are artists. That is what we do. We thank you for helping to make that possible by standing with us and honoring with your support the critical role of the arts in times of change.

J Robert Wills, Dean

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Annual Contributions

Contributions for 2001-2002 were 42 percent ahead of giving for the previous fiscal year.	Who gave in FY 01-02 A total of 1,420 donors helped the college further its goals through their generous contributions.
Your choices in giving More than half of the income generated by endowing gifts to the college in 2001-2002 directly benefitted students through scholarships/fellowships and funding for education and academic enrichment. The total value of endowed gifts to the college as of June 30, 2002, was $16.4 million.