STATEMENT OF DR. RICARDO ROMO, FORMER PRESIDENT, UTSA The reaction to the announcement of my retirement has been overwhelmingly positive, and Harriett and I are forever grateful for these sentiments from people in all walks of life in this city, this state, and across America. Nonetheless, there may be accusations, rumors, and speculations about conduct other than the "abrazos" that were considered offensive. That I had no improper intent giving or receiving "abrazos” is of no consequence. If they were thought improper and offensive then they were, and but for a prohibition from contacting anyone involved I would have already directly apologized. The Chancellor is correct in establishing that there is no "abrazo exception" for a 73-year-old retiring university president. I accept that this is the world we live in. But he has taken no action giving any false rumor or accusation credence. This I would have fought without hesitation. My family was fully prepared to have me wage this battle, my legal team was confident of the outcome, and falsehoods did not drive my decision to retire now. I made it clear to the Chancellor that I was not afraid of the truth, and that I would not run from a lie. The only thing certain about my tenure as President is that it would end. The average for service as President of a University in America is about 6 to 8 years. I have been blessed with 48. Nothing about my departure now takes away my pride in the successes we have achieved. Nothing has diminished my love for my staff, our world-class faculty, and our student body of achievers who apply the work ethic instilled by their parents to better their lives and their world through higher education. I close with the Track & Field athlete's standard farewell: Godspeed and God Bless! Go Roadrunners! 2 Rome Ricardo Romo