President Shalala about University Village Project

Saturday's Miami Herald published a letter about the University Village project, signed by UM President Donna Shalala:

UM needs housing

The University of Miami is a committed community partner. We strive to work with all of our neighbors. A group of Coral Gables residents has labeled us ''bullies'' for our attempt to build much-needed student apartments on campus. They do not represent the majority of our neighbors, most of whom support our efforts.

Creating a top research university requires recruiting the best students and faculty, engaging committed philanthropists, securing federal research funds and building necessary infrastructure -- like student housing. Those opposing construction of University Village have lost sight of a university's purpose: to educate, conduct research and create tomorrow's leaders. They seem to envision a university devoid of students; or at least, only with students you can't hear or see. That attitude will restrain our ability to compete with the nation's best universities.

UM has been an integral part of this community for more than 75 years. It's time we built University Village, a project that will improve our campus and neighborhood.

DONNA E. SHALALA

President,
University of Miami
Coral Gables