UC’s Contribution to State Economy

Jess Bravin’s commentary of Nov. 24 misrepresented the phrase “UC Means Business.” It is the title of a report that explores the many economic contributions the University of California makes to the state and the nation. It is not about privatizing UC. UC, through its contributions to the state’s economy, its job-generating capacity and its research developments, has been instrumental in helping California’s recovery from the worst economic recession since the Great Depression. Among the report’s findings were:

* UC generates three times as much money as the state invests in it.

* The university contributes to local economies, supporting neighborhood retailers, restaurants, hotels, construction firms and other businesses.

* UC’s classrooms and laboratories supply the creative energy and cutting-edge research needed to keep California’s economy vital.

* UC supplies businesses and industries with highly skilled graduates.

* A survey of 100 companies founded by UC alumni found they employ 487,000 workers and have annual sales of $134 billion.

UC’s decision to reform its hospital operations, provide competitive salaries for its senior managers and oppose the efforts of graduate student apprentices to form a union affiliated with the United Auto Workers are founded on sound principles that have as much to do with the university’s successful business operations as its academic mission. Such responsible stewardship during and after the state’s economic recession allowed the university to maintain its fiscal footing while preserving UC’s distinction as the undisputed leader among the nation’s research universities. The University of California is the state’s most valuable resource. That is why UC means business.

MEREDITH J. KHACHIGIAN

Vice Chairman

UC Board of Regents