University of Michigan Regents
Michigan State University Trustees
Wayne State University Governors
University of Michigan Regents - Eight-Year Term - Vote
for Two (2)
Candidates were asked to summarize their backgrounds in 75
words and were allotted 75 words to answer each question. If the candidate did not reply by the
required date for publication, the words "Did not respond in time for
publication" appear under the candidate's name.
QUESTION 1
What role should this university play in the economic
development of the state of Michigan?
QUESTION 2
What is the most important issue facing this public
university today and what is your position on that issue?
QUESTION 3
Given the current economic climate, what measures will you support to maintain the quality of this university's education?
1999 - present: Chairman, CEO Domino's Pizza, recognized
world leader in pizza delivery.
1979 - 1999: Chairman,
President and CEO of Valassis. Under his stewardship, Valassis recognized as
"100 Best Companies to Work for in America." 1974 - 1979: Graduates
from the School of Education at UM, joins Procter & Gamble Company. Native
of South Lyon, MI; recruited by Coach Bo Schembechler; full football
scholarship to UM. 1998: Elected to the UM Board of Regents.
1. Technology transfer is a very important way to leverage
the strengths of the university to meet the needs of our state. The university
is a significant source of human resource capital, product innovations, and
breakthroughs in research and development that benefit the State of Michigan
today and for years to come.
2. Combined answer for 2-3: Our most important issue is how
we can effectively invest in the quality of the education experience while
dealing with the significant budget pressures impacting higher education today.
Rapidly inflating faculty salaries and operating expenses, exacerbated by
continuing reductions in state funding put significant pressure on financial
management of the university. The university's resourcefulness in successfully
completing capital campaigns, securing funding through research and grant
proposals, and prudently managing expenses
3. while continuing to fulfill the institution's educational
mission, without diminishing quality, will be critical to our future. We need to do a better job of
convincing state legislators of the importance of the university's operating
role the university plays in state and the significant, quantifiable return the
state receives for every dollar it invests in higher education. At the same
time, securing more resources through fundraising and cost management is also
critical to the equation.
U of M graduate, 1963 (BA). Served on the U of M President's Advisory Board; Serving
currently on the Boards of the U of M Museum of Art and Ford School of Public
Policy. Lifetime member of the Alumni Association. Served as Trustee of Kalamazoo College; founder and
President of the Kalamazoo Historic Conservancy for the Preservation of Art;
member of the Kalamazoo College Women's Council, Junior League, First
Presbyterian Church; owns interior design company.
1. A positive future for U of M depends upon developing a
knowledge-based economy. U of M is the engine behind the states economy and has
the ability to become a leader in technology transfer; the spinning off
university sponsored research into viable businesses which create jobs. Today U
of M is a $4.8 billion enterprise and the 3rd largest employer in the state
with 40,000 people on its payroll. Its success and viability is crucial to...
2. The most important issues facing U of M are financial:
rising costs, tuition and state support. U of M must hold the line on tuition
by better management of finances. U of M cannot rely on the fluctuation of the
state support. If the huge increases in tuition (30 - 40% over the last 5
years) continue, U of M might effectively price out the very students it is
trying to attract. A Regent represents the taxpayers...
3. In order to maintain the quality of U of M's education
they must look for alternative sources of revenue. Along with the successful
transfer of technology in which the University can claim an ownership interest,
the partnerships and programming at the satellite campuses, renewing and
solidifying relationships with alumni and supporters and proper stewardship
from the board, U of M has a bright future.
Actively involved in social, economic and educational issues
as a lawyer and community leader for 35 years, I practiced international
business law in Detroit until 2004 and now represent nonprofit organizations. Offices have included President,
Michigan State Bar (first woman); Chair, Michigan Supreme Court Gender Bias
Task Force; State Officers'
Compensation Commissioner; Trustee, Marygrove College; Executive Committee,
Detroit Medical Center; Chair, Hutzel Women's Hospital; and founding Trustee,
Michigan Women's Foundation. (BA, Vassar College; JD, WSU)
1. The University should play a vigorous economic
development role: to pursue needed
research in economically relevant fields such as life sciences; to expand its
technology transfer to the business and nonprofit sectors; to increase its
interaction with leaders in business and industry; and, together with other
public universities, to implement the Cherry Commission recommendations. It should prepare students for
entrepreneurial roles, for success in a knowledge-based economy and for
team-based problem solving.
2. The most important issue is accessibility to the
University for students regardless of economic status and background. Accessibility includes affirmative
action and affordability. I
strongly support affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity and diversity
and oppose Proposal 2. I believe
urgent attention must be given to lowering the costs of education for lower and
middle income students through tuition controls and financial aid.
3. The extraordinary quality of the University's education
must rest on a solid financial foundation. I will support its capital campaign
and other fundraising programs, technology transfer programs and other potential
new revenue sources and its vital health care system, which has a positive
operating margin. I will demand intense, continuing scrutiny of administrative
and operating costs. The top
priorities must remain the education of students and the preservation of
academic excellence.
Education: Princeton University, BSE, Electrical
Engineering; University of Washington School of Law, JD; George Washington
University Law School, LLM; Ann Arbor Public Schools. Work: Law Professor, WSU; registered patent attorney; White
House Fellow, Fulbright Senior Scholar-Germany; Vice President Fulbright
Association, Judicial Law Clerk, Randall Rader, U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal
Circuit; Intellectual Property Counsel, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Captain,
U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG), active duty; Major(P) JAG,
reservist; UM Regent.
1. As Michigan transforms from a traditional manufacturing
economy to a knowledge-based economy, the University of Michigan must be a
leader in the state's economic development. Because the level of knowledge and skill required to compete
globally is increasing, higher education is central to this
transformation. Higher education
must become more flexible to address the changing demands of the global
economy, as well as increasing the engagement in public/private partnerships to
further its goals.
2. Because of the increased costs of higher education, the
most important issue facing the University of Michigan is accessibility. As the relative amount of state funding
declines, it is imperative that the University of Michigan increase financial
aid commensurate with any tuition increases for in-state residents. For students who cannot afford four-years
of University of Michigan tuition, transfer opportunities should be
increased. Investing in greater
outreach to community colleges should be a central priority.
3. In times of limited state funding, it is paramount that
the high quality of education at the University of Michigan is maintained and
enhanced. The university must
build bridges between education, science, industry and government to create the
synergy needed to sustain and improve the quality of higher education. The University of Michigan is well
positioned to translate knowledge to solve problems of general public interest
so that many societal needs can be met.
Teacher, writer, and 40-year Michigan resident, Edward Morin
has a B.A from Maryknoll College, an M.A. from U. of Chicago, and a Ph.D. from
Loyola University, (Chicago). He
taught 30 years in 3 colleges and 5 universities, including the University of Michigan. He also worked 19 years as, research,
contract proposal, and technical writer and as executive writer at Blue Cross
of Michigan, General Motors, and Unisys.
He is married and has 4 grown children.
1. By teaching students how to think, the U of M strengthens
their job performance and mobility.
World class instruction and exposure to state-of-the-art technologies
prepare them for a changing world.
University research attracts government and corporate funding, which
encourages job growth and start-up companies. Cultural benefits of vibrant University communities make
them attractive places to live in or visit. Links to scholarship and research throughout the U.S. and
the world make Michigan a cosmopolitan place.
2. Students from families without high income and
substantial health insurance find campus life more difficult than those with
these advantages. UM must extend
efforts to foster a "student friendly" environment beyond staff
administered seminars and building programs. To restructure campus culture, enlist faculty involvement in
remediation. Require sensitivity
training of students. Increase counseling opportunities through Student Health
Service. End early admission
procedures, which favor applicants from affluent families and prestige prep
schools.
3. 1) Increase faculty participation in governance. For example, enfranchise the untenured
health care clinicians connected to the Medical School by allowing them into
the Faculty Senate. 2) Improve fiscal transparency through a legally mandated
and overdue (by 22 years) State Audit of research and academic performance. 3)
Review support that the University gives to advanced weapons and surveillance
technology through its research and investments.
Did not respond in time for publication.
Born in Jackson, Michigan in 1952. A.S. degree received from
Jackson Community College in 1972. BS from U of M received in 1974. I completed
graduate school work at U of M (1947-1977), EMU (1979-80) and MSU (2000).
Alumnus advisor to College Libertarians at U of M.
1. The University of Michigan should be privatized and
should end its dependence on the taxpayers of Michigan. This, along with
forming partnerships with private businesses in Michigan and around the world
will economically benefit both the State of Michigan and the U of M.
2. The U of M must partner with businesses around the world
to help educate U of M students and to ensure that they have jobs upon
graduation. Additionally, affirmative action must be ended at U of M and
statewide: in other words, discrimination of all kinds should cease at U of M.
3. The U of M is one of the most highly endowed universities
in the U.S. I shall work toward obtaining more funds from alumni. The U of M
must be made a private institution. Agreements with businesses to educate
students for their future jobs would be an excellent source of income for the
University.
I am an alumnus of the University and graduated with a
Bachelor's of Science and Engineering in nuclear engineering in 1996. I then
received my MD at the University of Iowa and also completed my anesthesia
specialty training there as well. I returned to Michigan in the summer of 2004
where I joined with Anesthesia Medical Consultants, PC in Grand Rapids. I am
married with three children and my wife, Marcy, is a pediatrician.
1. The University of Michigan plays a vital role in the
state's economic future. Innovation and job creation stem from well educated
and bright students who should continue to receive excellent training in
engineering, health care, business, and law programs. A primary focus of the University
should be to continue to teach our best and brightest students.
2. Costs at the U of M, similar to other public
universities, have continued to grow far faster than the rate of inflation. It
is critical that we control costs now so as to not overburden citizens with
higher taxes and students with exorbitant tuitions. We need to work to
outsource services on campus to private companies and trim the administration
in order to put the main focus of spending on teaching and education.
3. Today's economic climate suggests that state funding for
higher education will continue to remain flat or even curtail. This means we
need to look to creative ways to fund the U of M to maintain its academic
excellence. We should specifically look to outsource as many non-educational
duties as possible through a competitive bidding process. The cost saving for
that alone should help offset any future tuition increases.
I feel honored to have this opportunity to become involved
with The Natural Law Party. For 20
years I have been an Interior Designer specializing in Window Fashions and Home
DÚcor...I have an Associates Degree in applied Science from Baker Business
College in Flint, MI. I am a
single mother. I believe my life
experiences give me the knowledge and the wisdom to provide the highest quality
of service to this elected office.
1. The University will continue to stimulate the economy and
increase revenue through, higher education and expanding programs. Attracting current residents and also,
bringing new people and new opportunities to Michigan.
2. Expansion of career opportunities. U of M can set the pace for the State
of Michigan with higher education and better technology that will create new
jobs for the current citizens and the future generations.
3. The best way to stimulate the current economic climate is
to support The Natural Law Party (see NLP website). Expansion of the University will have an impact on the
environment which will create new jobs, a better economy and less taxes.
Michigan State University Trustees - Eight-Year Term -
Vote for Two (2)
Candidates were asked to summarize their backgrounds in 75
words and were allotted 75 words to answer each question. If the candidate did not reply by the
required date for publication, the words "Did not respond in time for
publication" appear under the candidate's name.
QUESTION 1
What role should this university play in the economic
development of the state of Michigan?
QUESTION 2
What is the most important issue facing this public
university today and what is your position on that issue?
QUESTION 3
Given the current economic climate, what measures will you
support to maintain the quality of this university's education?
MSU, BA Communication. Married: Byron Cook, two married
children. President, Greenville Board of Education, 12 yrs. Citizen Committee
Founder Montcalm Community College.
Trustee, MSU 16 yrs.
Trustee, Detroit College of Law.
MSU Foundation. Wharton
Center Performing Arts Council.
Chairman, MSU 2000 Capital Campaign. Chairman, Capital Campaign "The Campaign for
MSU". Major Donor, MSU.
1. MSU is perfectly positioned to lead Michigan into the
bio-economy. We have the
scientists, the science, the academic talent and the leadership. By partnering with industry leaders,
using the talents of the agriculture experiment stations and agriculture
extension service and cutting edge research, Michigan's vast natural resources
will be maximized for the future economy, bringing jobs and products to
Michigan and the world.
2. Funding and affordability are the two major issues facing
MSU. Funding has been drastically reduced over the past 4 years causing cuts in
programs and faculty that directly affect students. Making certain that we can meet our mission to the students
and the people of Michigan continues to be a challenge as our support from the
state of Michigan decreases or is flat at best.
3. As a trustee I have watched the state's portion of our
funding decrease dramatically forcing more of the cost of education to be
placed on the students and their families. Most of my effort as a trustee has been focused on raising
private support for student scholarships, additional facilities laboratories,
equipment and endowments. It is
becoming more and more important for public universities to seek private funds
to maintain quality.
MSU Board of Trustees since 1998, MSU Chairman of Board 4
years. MSU College of Law Board of
Trustees. Member, Board of
Directors of Huntington National Bank, Huntington Bancshares Inc, Jackson
National Life Insurance Co of NY, and 4-H Foundation. MSU, 1974 BS cum laude. Cooley Law School, 1977 JD with distinction. Attorney, private practice specializing
in corporate and municipal law, government relations. Age 53. Married
30 years. 3 children.
1. MSU is uniquely positioned to be a research and
development arm for various industries such as agriculture and medical science.
The agricultural industry looks to MSU to prepare future farmers for the
challenges the industry will face and conduct research benefiting the
industry. The bioeconomy
initiative and the plant and animal initiatives are examples of existing
partnerships. Partnerships with
private corporations, the state, and other universities are opportunities
emerging in technology and medical science.
2. Our budget is our biggest challenge. The state previously provided 75% of
the general funding for MSU. It is
now less than 50%. The cuts have been significant. We must keep the balance between assuring an affordable,
quality education for students, while demanding a standard of excellence to
attract and keep the best faculty.
We must find additional private funding for research and scholarships,
maintain our excellent investment record, and manage tax dollars wisely.
3. Maintain diligent advocacy with the state legislature and
the federal government for adequate funding. Establish priorities in programs distinctive to MSU to
remain competitive for the needs of MSU students. Seek additional private scholarship funding for qualified
students. Overall, insist on
university wide cost efficiency.
Business woman, community service, and homemaker. Founder
and CEO of Mica Corp. Marketing Director for Village Green. Director of Special
Projects for Governor Blanchard. Chair of Sparrow Hospital Foundation. Board of
Child Abuse Prevention and MSU Safe Place. President of Royal Oak PTA. Raised
two children, both of whom attended MSU. Grandparent of three, two of whom
attended MSU. Married to Larry Owen, who also is an alumnus of MSU.
1. MSU can play a major role in creating a strong, high wage
economy. MSU was founded on the idea that educating the children of ordinary
families would strengthen the state's economy. Today MSU's research, too, will
create jobs of the future. Along with high energy physics, MSU's strength in
life sciences and agriculture are key; both fields show great promise as
anchors of businesses in the new bio-economy and bio-fuels.
2. The most critical issue facing MSU is the high cost of
tuition and resulting load of debt many students have when they graduate. This
is wrong for our students and contrary to the state's economic need to have a
highly-educated populace. Not so long ago the State accounted for close to 70%
of MSU's budget; today that figure is less than 40%. I will be a constant, vocal advocate for policies that value
higher education.
3. As indicated above, I intend to be a forceful advocate
for more State investment in higher education. Our universities are a source of
strength for the economy of the future and are the gateway to opportunity for
our children. The State is being extremely short-sighted in failing to provide
adequate funding. It is also true that higher education must continue to
demonstrate that it is attentive to cost control. I will be alert to this
aspect ...
George Perles has been a leader throughout his life by
winning four Super Bowl rings for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as Head Coach of the
Michigan State University (MSU) football team, as Athletic Director at MSU,
where he had a balanced budget every year, as a U.S. Army veteran, and as the
proud parent of four children and six grandchildren. Perles' campaign as a
Democrat for MSU Trustee is his first time running for political office.
1. As the premier land grant university and one of the best
research universities in the country, MSU should be offering affordable tuition
to all Michigan families. College
education should not just be for the rich. Furthermore, with biofuel becoming
an important resource, MSU can use its knowledge of agriculture and
manufacturing to propel Michigan to the forefront of this crucial development. MSU has the tools to successfully
thrust Michigan's economy into the 21st Century.
2. There is no question that tuition is spiraling higher and
higher and eventually only the rich will have access to higher education. I owe my success to MSU and I want
everyone to have the same opportunity to attend MSU. I will use my connections in state government to increase
state funding and use my knowledge of the MSU budget to cut waste.
3. MSU is one of the greatest universities in the world, but
tuition must be affordable for Michigan's families or only the wealthy will be
able to afford to send their children.
I will comb through the MSU budget to look for waste and I will go to
the legislature and the governor and be a cheerleader for MSU to ensure more
funding.
I am a sophomore at Michigan State University majoring in
Social Relations. I want to be a civil rights attorney. I am active on campus, participating in
the Multiracial Identity experience (The MIX), Case Hall Black Caucus, LGBTA
groups and Students for Choice. I
am concerned with social justice and believe that quality education should be
affordable and accessible to all who seek it. If elected, I will focus on social justice and affordable
education.
1. MSU should take the lead in demanding its share of
Michigan's federal tax payments that go to the Pentagon (over $8.7 billion for
the Iraq war alone). This money
could fund $425,000 full scholarships to Michigan's universities, and attract more
young people to our state. Support
affirmative action for a truly diverse university where individuals could be
trained to go back to their communities and rebuild Michigan's cities as
planned and green communities.
2. The U.S. wars, occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq. For immediate U.S. withdrawal - bring
the troops home now. Make MSU an
anti-war leader in demanding funds for education, not for war. Dismantle the Pentagon and use military
funding to instead reduce tuition immediately for all students and provide full
scholarships for low-income students.
Make higher education affordable and accessible to all who seek it. No military recruiters on campus. Jobs and social services, not war.
3. All MSU students have the right to an education in an
environment where they feel safe.
An anti-discrimination policy should address all forms of
discrimination. Include same-sex
benefits and rights, gender identity in the MSU civil rights code. Defend affirmative action and defeat
the racist, sexist Michigan "Civil Rights" [sic] Initiative. No attacks on union benefits or
pensions. Elect a student to the
Board of Trustees so students' concerns are heard at all levels.
I attended Macomb Community College and MSU. I am a Self-employed businessman with a
business management and finance background.
1. The university must accept and keep excellent and
superior standards and expect nothing less.
2. I support to contain and lower costs without sacrificing
the quality of education is to eliminate all contributions to politicians with
university, taxpayer or student money!
As your MSU Trustee I will get more support from business and labor.
3. The current system is very flawed that has been in place
for a lot of years We must
reassess the current programs that are not working.
I was born in Ann Arbor in 1976 and am a life-long resident
of Michigan. I am a computer programming student and appreciate the value of
quality education. I ran for city council twice in Ann Arbor and lead a
successful petition drive.
1. The Primary purpose of the university is to educate
people. Having an educated populous helps the economy. Also the university
conducts research projects that lead to new technologies and more efficient
ways of doing things, greatly helping the economy. The university should accept
and use Liberty Dollars and E-Gold. Widespread use of these types of money will
protect the economy from problems caused by miss-management of Federal Reserve
Money.
2. Most levels of Government, including the state are likely
to go bankrupt in the near future. While the affect on the university is
uncertain, it would be prudent to seek alternative funding sources. One way I
would like to secure future funding is to give tuition discount to students who
contractually earmark a percentage of their future income to the University. It
is necessary to aggressively seek donations and grants from individuals and
corporations.
3. See Question 2
Lifelong resident of Michigan: Plymouth, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Graduate of Plymouth High, University of Michigan, AB in
philosophy, Wayne State Law School, Juris Doctor. Retired from law
practice. I quoted in a Court of
Appeals motion a client's allegations that a Jackson County judge and prosecutor
had committed crimes in his son's case.
Instead of investigating the allegations the system disciplined me and
suspended me from practice. A
similar case involves Geoffrey Fieger.
1. MSU can develop research and education to: a. end the
political gerrymander b. institute proportional representation c. de-monopolize
the practice of law and repeal the law against non-State Bar members providing
legal services. The result would
be a stronger economy.
2. Lack of democratic process in politics and monopoly of
the professions.
3. The University would do well to liquidate its
investments, buy hard commodities and prepare for the collapse of the American
economy in the light of, as the New York Times a few days ago highlighted, the
bankruptcy of the American economy.
Resident of Michigan for 40 years married with 3 sons and is
secretary of the Natural Law Party for 5 years. Kathy has surpassed her 20 year
anniversary milestone at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan where she is a
Sr. Systems Analyst Project Leader. "I have seen the challenges of our
families throughout my years in our state and in the health insurance field and
understand the importance of our future in education".
1. In today's economy the challenges of our sons and
daughters attending a university has greatened. The university must continue to
meet these challenges and promote education within our state starting at the
grade school level to ensure that our children can attain their dreams. We cannot
let our children fail to understand the importance of planning for the future
and in knowing the opportunity that is there for them at university and in
Michigan.
2. I believe the biggest challenge is the financial ability
for our students to attend the universities of their choice. More and more
parents are struggling to send their sons and daughters to a university and may
elect a community college or one closer to home unless we meet these challenges
by ensuring our parents and students know of the availability and take full
advantage of scholarships/grants/etc.
3. Promote scholarship awareness for new and current
students. Support academic awareness of all government - it is not Democrat vs.
Republican it is awareness of all parties. Promote environmental awareness -
growth in our education of alternative fuels, organic farming & healthy
living.
Wayne State University Governors - Eight-Year Term - Vote
for Two (2)
Candidates were asked to summarize their backgrounds in 75
words and were allotted 75 words to answer each question. If the candidate did not reply by the
required date for publication, the words "Did not respond in time for
publication" appear under the candidate's name.
QUESTION 1
What role should this university play in the economic
development of the state of Michigan?
QUESTION 2
What is the most important issue facing this public
university today and what is your position on that issue?
QUESTION 3
Given the current economic climate, what measures will you
support to maintain the quality of this university's education?
Did not respond in time for publication.
Did not respond in time for publication.
A Michigander all my life, I have been an active business,
civic and community leader in Michigan for more than thirty years. I received
my undergraduate degree and masters from Georgetown University, and have spent
29 years at General Motors in various positions. I have been involved in many projects
and activities over the years particularly focused on women and children and
currently serve on a number of boards focused on children and young adults.
1. Wayne State University is critically located to be at the
forefront of technological advances which can help transform Michigan's
economy. As we work to diversify and strengthen the state's economy, it is
imperative that we develop a more skilled workforce to recruit and fill the
high-tech jobs that are vital for Michigan's future. Wayne State University's history of providing accessible,
affordable, and excellent education plays a critical role in the economic
revitalization of Michigan.
2. Universities must ensure that higher education remains
accessible and affordable to all.
I believe Wayne State University's history and tradition of serving
people of all ages and incomes is critical to providing an opportunity for all
who wish to pursue higher education.
To maintain this tradition, I will fight to keep education affordable
and will fight to ensure that all Michiganders are considered fairly and
equally for educational and job opportunities.
3. I will fight to secure Wayne State University's share of
state government funding.
Additionally, I will make it a priority to support efforts to increase
research grant dollars from both the public and private sector to keep Wayne
State University at the forefront of groundbreaking research and technological
advances.
BA in mathematics and JD, both from WSU; first WSU graduate
in Attorney General's Honor's Program; worked for Robert Kennedy in
Washington. Since 1964, has lived
and practiced law in Detroit.
Recently described as "Michigan's preeminent business
litigator." Recipient of
numerous awards, including McCree Award for the Social Justice. On WSU Board of Governors since
2002. Supports increasing
enrollment, improving instruction, enhancing research, making WSU catalyst for
economic growth. Led campaign that
raised $19.4 million for law school.
1. WSU should play a substantial role in the economic
development in Michigan. WSU now receives more than $200 million a year in
research funding and actively pursues ways of translating that research into
marketable products and services.
In the last several years it has launched TechTown, a high technology
park just north of the campus, with the expectation that this will serve as an
important launching pad for new technologies, new businesses and jobs.
2. WSU's most pressing issue is to remain as the
"portal to the American dream" for new generations of students, many
of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Declining state
support has to be reversed if WSU is to help restore economic health to
Michigan. Simply increasing tuition is not a solution and, instead exacerbates
the problem we now face: too few
of Michigan's citizens have a college education.
3. I support making WSU more cost-sensitive and efficient by
merging academic units, shedding underutilized programs and insisting on better
management. These steps, alone, will not overcome the effects of declining
state appropriations. I support a tax structure that will adequately fund all
schools, K-12, community colleges and four-year colleges and universities. I'm
a strong believer in the importance of private philanthropy, and I have been
involved for decades in raising funds for WSU.
I have worked as a waitress, typesetter, museum worker and
law librarian and been involved in movements since 1968 - the anti-Vietnam war
movement, the movement against the war on Iraq, and movements for money for
jobs, schools and healthcare, not war. I am married and have a 25-year-old
daughter, an instructor and poet. I graduated from Wayne State in 2003 with a
Masters in Library Science where I also worked in the law library.
1. The university should play a role in developing the world
economy and the economy here as part of it. It should provide professors and
students with the best possible materials to give and get outstanding education.
Professors and students, in collaboration with workers and people from
oppressed communities, will play a critical role in developing industry,
agriculture, and culture.
2. Are we going to keep spending money on bombing the
peoples of Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine? Or are we going to stop this and start
spending money for jobs, schools, healthcare?
3. Spend the $8 billion that Michigan has been giving to the
war, on education.
My name is Michael Merriweather. I'm a student at WSU where
I major in Media Arts & Studies. I'm a political activist, including
membership in M.E.C.A.W.I., S.D.S., The Michigan Green Party and volunteer work
with Free Detroit.
1. Wayne State University should play a role in the economic
development of Michigan, by creating within itself the opportunity for students
to both learn and work. By creating a cultural and economic environment where
education is valued as work, Wayne can encourage and spur the innovation in the
arts & sciences necessary to bring the Michigan economy into the 21st
century.
2. The most important issue is the rising cost of tuition.
The importance of education is too high to place the burden of its cost on the
student. The university through conservation and sustainability, using its
resources to fund research and development instead of buying administrators the
newest computers and office technology can solve this problem and provide the
wider and cheaper access to education needed to make our economy and democracy
function.
3. I support measures of environmental conservation and
sustainability aimed towards decreasing the operating costs of the university.
I support investing in employment opportunities for students within the
university and the community. There is no reason why the university can't both
meet the public service needs of the community and provide its students with
the experience and networking of interacting with that community.
BA, Political Science, Constitutional Law. MBA, International Business. ScD, Computer Science.
1. None. Their sole purpose should be to give their students
the best education possible. Anything else is a misuse of student and
taxpayer's money. It is the place of the graduates of the university to be
involved in economic development.
2. Education. My position is that universities should return
to the proper definition of education as found in the MI. State Constitution,
Article VIII Section 1: "Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary
to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of
education shall forever be encouraged". Education must stop being an end
in itself and to do that we must add [Christian] religion and morality back
into the equation with knowledge.
3. Federal statistics show that private and religious
education costs approximately half as much and produces twice as many educated
students as public schools. It is not the economic climate that threatens the
quality of this university, it is the corruption of knowledge and the omission
of truth, which if dealt with justly will enable the university to excel no
matter what the economy does.
Robert Van Bemmelen,
US Taxpayers
B.S. in Pharmacy '72, U of M. On the College Pharmacy curriculum committee as an
undergraduate. I have been a pharmacist for 34 yrs. with management experience
in the retail market in both independent as well as chain pharmacies. Also have
hospital experience from the U of M and was involved in their "Total
Quality" development program. Married with four daughters, all have or are
currently attending public universities in Michigan.
1. The purpose of a university is to educate its students to
take an active contributory role in the society around them. It is important that a state funded
school be particularly sensitive to and work closely with the leadership of
that state by providing educational opportunities that will not only benefit
the students but also serve to contribute to the economic success of the state.
2. The most important issue facing this public university is
to do whatever it takes to graduate students who are not only qualified to take
their place in the work force, but are sought after for their excellence in
achievement. This must be done
within ever tightening budget constraints. This is a challenge that requires the utmost cooperation and
understanding between, administration, faculty, staff and students.
3. Although WSU is a public institution, receiving public
funding, I believe funding from the private sector is much more effective in
targeting specific needs. The
reciprocal benefit is an educated trained workforce more willing to return in
kind to the source of it support. This condition of reciprocity now becomes a
win win situation for all concerned maximizing the benefit at the local level.
Michigan citizen and Elector.
1. All universities should be sold to the highest private
bidder so that there is a direct connection between what is taught at such
universities and the *real* economy.
There must be a total separation of education and government (the
state).
2. The devastating collapse of Detroit around WSU since 1953
due to decades of high taxes and insane government spending schemes for the
benefit of special interest gangs.
Cut taxes and government spending in Detroit (and the rest of Michigan)
to allow a free market economy to operate.
3. Sell it to the highest private bidder - after all mention
of public education is removed from the Michigan Constitution - since such
public education is totally unaccountable regarding productivity - i.e.
actually educating persons to be in the actual economy.
Did not respond in time for publication.
Did not respond in time for publication.
