Looking back over the past 20+ years, Dälhaus UniverCity has come a long way from the old construction paper, cardboard, and foamboard buildings that were, at one time, the pillar of this institution---and the paper furniture within that was so painstakingly and excruciatingly crafted by hand. Over the past two decades, our buildings have graduated from paper and plastic, to stone and glass. Our vehicles have gone from the generic toys from the general store, to some of the most detailed---and in some cases rare---diecast collectibles available anywhere. We've gone from taking a Lionel train set, gifted during Christmas, and the idea of a rail system, to an indoor-outdoor combination garden-scale transit system incorporating some of the largest model trains available as well as locomotives and rolling stock that are among the last of their kind. We no longer have the battery-operated toy lights that once gave the faint impression of realism, but now require our own generator to power an expansive electrical system. And we no longer borrow the ideas and looks of other organizations and institutions, but rather we are establishing our own style, our own look, our own "brand".

While its former identity as "The Doll House District" was indeed fitting, the more recent graduation to "Dälhaus UniverCity" is even more appropriate. Charlotte-Southe CFI, the flagship building of the UniverCity, has often been regarded as a city within its own right due to its size and its incorporation of the numerous aforementioned amenities. But today, this institution's physical makeup and layout resembles that of collegiate institution, yet it still functions as an independent city, hence the play on the traditional word "university" and the utilization of the word "UniverCity". And while "Dälhaus UniverCity's" name gives a sense of completion to this project, that completion is simply in name only. From Wolfeton House to UniverCity Row to Dransfeld Marschal, the UniverCity is still heavily under construction, with buildings such as the Centre for Human Advancement and Social Enrichment still in the planning and development stages and with assets such as diecast vehicles and garden-scale rolling stock still being acquired. The UniverCity is still growing, and will continue to grow, with exquisite attention to detail and functionality and with a sense of pride and prestige. This isn't just a series of large, commercial dollhouses. Dälhaus UniverCity is a showcase to talent, ingenuity, innovation, and the unique impression that the artistry of miniatures can convey.

But to call a halt to this process with just miniatures would be a misstep. And that's why publishing endeavors continue to be underway, and programs such as "Alliance" and "Flip" are in development; and with the establishment of The Pegicis Institute, the services rendered by Dälhaus UniverCity are not limited to the scale of the miniatures, but only limited to the talent and ingenuity of a designated team of individuals. A team that uses their skills to teach others to do the same, and to broaden the horizons of those who find themselves in need of an extra "push" to accomplish their own dreams and ambitions. We are indeed educators and leaders first, and miniaturists second.

One thing that is certain about change, is that it is inevitable; and over the years, the UniverCity has seen its fair share of changes---from simple changes such as floorplans and interior designs, to challenging disruptions such as the discontinuation of architectural and design items and the closure of key businesses such as Aristocraft Trains and Bespaq Corp. And these challenges are innate to this project as there are many aspects of this industry that are regarded as "a dying hobby." And with the numerous hurdles 2020 is throwing at our society, it is unlikely that any of these challenges will go away anytime soon. I, myself, have even changed my role within this institution over the years, holding the title of Director, Superintendent, Chancellor, Commissioner, and now, Superintendent once again. While change is indeed unavoidable, both within the UniverCity and without, we will continue to educate, and express the artistry of this talent and this industry, and are even developing methods whereby certain materials and amenities may be produced in-house.

Elon Musk once said, "stop being patient and start asking yourself, 'how do I accomplish my 10 year plan in 6 months'? You'll probably fail, but you'll be a lot further along than the person who simply accepted it was going to take 10 years." As such, I have drafted the UniverCity's 10-year outlook---a plan I'm titling "Vision 2030". And while these tasks will certainly not be accomplished within six months, I do intend for the majority of them to be accomplished well before 2030 arrives. The Dälhaus UniverCity leadership and I look forward to these milestones coming to fruition.

Dr. Karlin Patrick