I am writing in response to the article, “GW lowers expectations for Knapp’s cost-cutting plan,” published on Nov. 24. The article misses a larger point about The Innovation Task Force: Without its efforts, there would be fewer academic programs, advisors and financial aid for students.

Since October 2009 when University President Steven Knapp established the ITF through the end of this fiscal year, more than $54 million of ITF funds will have been spent on the University’s core mission of faculty, research and academic programs and support.

While other universities have had to make cuts under duress, GW has been proactive and innovative in finding more efficient ways to invest in ourselves. GW faculty, staff and students have spent more than 20,000 hours of time thinking of new ways to be better stewards of our resources, collaborating and finding new ways to provide our students with the best education possible. Projections may change as ideas progress, and it’s important to note that only real savings and new revenue are invested back in GW.

We can be very proud of how far we’ve come already. We urge everyone to continue to think of new ways to be more efficient and generate new revenue as well as help us succeed in implementing the various initiatives underway, as we continue the culture of innovation at GW.

Dave Lawlor is the senior associate vice president for finance and the Innovation Task Force chairman.