Easley, a 1972 UNC graduate, returned to campus to continue the tradition of governors speaking at the University Day immediately following their election to office.
"I am honored to be back home at my alma mater," he said. "This University and our entire university system stand as a symbol of value and a commitment to excellence for all North Carolinians."
Easley began his speech by reflecting on how the University has changed since his graduation, taking the opportunity to plug a state lottery for which he is now lobbying. "I walked by South Building today, and I couldn't help but remember I learned here that it was built through funds raised from the lottery," he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
But after the moment of humor, Easley moved quickly to reflecting on the Sept. 11 attacks. "This is a time we must remember the enduring values that bind us together as a community and Americans -- education is the common good, vital to the working of free society and democracy," he said.
Easley stressed the importance of education in his speech, focusing on the need to make quality education available to all N.C. citizens. "Despite good progress in our public schools, we must do better if we are to live up to the charge a century ago to provide opportunities for all children to burgeon out all that is within them," he said.
Easley praised the General Assembly for the state budget and the opportunities it will provide. "I was proud to have members of the University community with me last month when I signed into law a budget that protects and enhances education, including our universities, community colleges and public schools," he said. "The legislature is on a bold and aggressive mission to educate every corner of this state out of poverty and into prosperity."
But last week Easley announced that his office might have to cut as much as 4 percent from the UNC system's allocated budget -- a total of $16 million for UNC-Chapel Hill. He also froze $11.7 million in repairs and renovations in case the state's economic situation continues to worsen.
Easley also outlined goals for how to improve education, including pre-kindergarten programs, teacher salary increases and funding for enrollment growth at universities and community colleges.
Easley finished his speech on a note of hope, asking the University community and the state as a whole to continue the commitment to higher education that had brought UNC to its 208th birthday.
