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CLEMSON — In the closing meeting of the academic year, Clemson University President James F. Barker told faculty and staff that the university will persevere in uncertain economic times with a mixture of optimism and realism.

“We are sensitive to the real hardships that families face because of a weakening economy and rising costs,” Barker said. “We know we face funding cuts and inflation in energy and other costs, coupled with unfunded state mandates for pay and fringe benefit increases.”

Internal reallocations and cost-saving moves through a discovery process are helping the university operate efficiently, he added. Collaborative funding and alternative revenue sources are being looked at as well.

“Let me remind you, we have been here before,” Barker said. “Those of you who were around when we began our quest for the top 20 know that goal was born in a time of even greater budget pressure and more uncertain funding. Yet somehow Clemson managed not only to survive, but to thrive and move forward.”

Barker cited the university’s guiding principles that will aid in the move forward. They include the commitment to the top 20 vision and maintaining and increasing the quality of the Clemson experience, and working together as “One Clemson.”

In recognizing the value of students and faculty, Barker also spoke about Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie-Mellon who has terminal pancreatic cancer. Pausch became widely known this year for his last lecture that went viral on the Internet and made national news.

Pausch’s best-selling book, “The Last Lecture,” shares his thoughts on living, not dying. Barker said many of the Clemson students next year will be familiar with “The Last Lecture” and that the book creates some very teachable moments.

“Students have a better feeling today about college professors, especially after hearing from and reading Randy Pausch. They have a better understanding of the real value of higher education,” Barker said. “We have a chance to show them that there are many professors in our universities who are as talented, dedicated and caring as Randy Pausch. Some of them are in this room with us this morning.”

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