A familiar face returns to the position of Vice President for Administration/CFO, Stacy Hayano, as she assumes the role on an interim basis after the retirement of Dr. Ming-Tung "Mike" Lee.

I'd like to first thank everyone in ABA for welcoming me back as I return as the interim Vice President for Administration/CFO. I am looking forward to working with everyone, and seek to fill the shoes that Dr. Lee left behind.

Despite the obstacles that organizational change presents, I am confident we are meeting the expectations and goals we have set out to accomplish. I will continue to support the happiness initiatives, which is a wonderful program Mike initiated, through the efforts from the Organizational Development office. In collaboration with the Office of the VP/CFO, we look forward to finding new activities and fun ways to engage with staff.

Summer continues to be a busy time for ABA; as the season begins to wind down, it allows us to reflect on some of our accomplishments. This edition of The FOCUS contains many stories and accounts of the incredible work of our staff. From Procurement & Contract Services receiving yet another award for excellence, to our Sustainability Team receiving a best practice award from the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference (CHESC) three years in a row!

We must also recognize the important work of our Budget and Financial Services staff as they work tirelessly on year-end reporting. Their work is imperative to the success of ABA and the university and they deserve accolades for accomplishing the many deadlines that loom during the summer. Despite the daunting task that year-end always poses, I admire the way these offices find ways to have fun. For example, Financial Services continued their Summer Fun days this year, and you can read about all the festivities here.

As we prepare ourselves for a new fall semester, new students greet us while new challenges await us. I am confident that we have the staff and tools necessary to meet these challenges, and are equipped with the knowledge and ability to continue to help our students reach their academic goals. We cannot lose sight of the mission of Sacramento State, as we are a vital part to furthering this mission. We are here to serve and support the students, faculty, staff, administrations, and community members who make our university so suburb. We show our pride through the dedication and hard work we provide on a daily basis. I know each and every ABA staff member is committed to success and I will do my best to support you and your success.