MSU is steadily making gains and working toward a prosperous future for its students, but there is more work to be done. Rightfully, that was the tone of President M. Peter McPherson’s 10th State of the University address.

McPherson delivered the annual speech Tuesday afternoon at Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre. In the past he has delivered the address during the spring semester.

McPherson urged the MSU community to “keep the dream alive” in striving toward academic excellence and advancement, outlining all of the reasons students should be proud of this institution.

The annual speech provided an outline of MSU’s future - a positive look toward the bright future to which McPherson’s leadership has helped forge a path.

McPherson said he believes MSU is making “great strides” academically, citing the higher grade-point averages and test scores of this year’s freshmen class, which will compel some change and advancement in some classes.

He also praised the class’s great amount of diversity - “the highest proportion of students of color