University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler addressed University community members in the fourth annual State of the University speech Thursday.

Kaler named four priorities to focus on for next year, which include continuing to implement the University’s strategic plan, the institution’s guiding document for the next decade, creating a more diverse campus climate, strengthening human research trials and reducing administrative costs.

“The University’s path forward leads not just from our Twin Cities campus but from Crookston, Duluth, Morris and Rochester too,” Kaler said. “We are a collection of five distinct cultures and campuses that add up to one great university.”

Before laying out his priorities, Kaler acknowledged the passing of University student Jennifer Houle and encouraged students, faculty and staff to take advantage of available mental health resources and look out for one another.

“I know we are all thinking of Jennifer Houle, her family, her friends and their and our loss,” he said.

Kaler also announced that the University received a $4 million gift from deceased alumnus Roger Anderson. The money will be used to break ground for the new Bell Museum on the St. Paul campus as well as restore the pipe organ to Northrop Auditorum.

Faculty, staff and students from across the University system asked Kaler questions about the proposed tuition freeze, funding for outstate campuses and sexual assault.