In a very candid commentary published in The Bee today, Fresno State President John Welty admits to a painful year at the university and apologizes "for the things that have happened that have disappointed so many people in this community."

Those include multi-million-dollar verdicts against the university for sexual discrimination, misdirecting funding intended for academics to the athletic program and not being transparent in university dealings. The once solid support for Fresno State in the community has crumbled, turning much of the region against the university. Fresno State still enjoys backing from those who think the Bulldogs can do no wrong, but Welty's commentary today is an indication that he feels it's time to mend the wounds and attempt to move forward.

Here are the key quotes from Welty's piece: "It has been difficult to watch what has been happening; especially the frustration and anger these incidents have generated in the community. I would like the community to know that I take full and final responsibility for what has occurred.

"No university president would want to see these problems occur during his or her presidency. I do, however, apologize for the things that have happened that have disappointed so many people in this community."

Welty can prove that he actually means what he says by dropping the university's appeals in the Lindy Vivas and Stacy Johnson-Klein cases. Dragging out these appeals will do just the opposite of what Welty wants to do: Continue the split in the community.