Spring Break
Rao, Lennox at odds
By: Angela Favot
Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: News
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University President Michael Rao spoke in front of the committee to inform senators about CMU's status and advocate more funds for the university, while Students Against Gary Peters spokesman Dennis Lennox II, a Topinabee junior, requested senators delay the funds.
Rao prepared five points to discuss with the Senate: teaching/learning, diversity, research, service and integrity.
"CMU continues to move in the right direction, and is the fourth largest university in Michigan," Rao said.
He also said the focus should be on the future, and CMU could prepare for that by having a medical school that would focus on health education, prevention and lifestyles. Rao said higher education has to be a major player in the stimulation of Michigan's economy.
"We need to see some stronger public policy to achieve those goals," he said.
Sen. Bill Hardiman, R-Kentwood, asked Rao about the noose incident on campus. Rao responded by saying CMU is making good progress toward diversity.
Sen. Jim Barcia, D-Bay City, said he appreciated Rao's progressive and forward thinking.
Rao was joined by the presidents of Saginaw Valley State University, Hope College and Alma College. All the presidents noted their students were staying in Michigan after graduation, with CMU at a reported 80 percent.
Lennox testified during public comment, and said he thought it went well.
"As you know under the Michigan constitution of 1963, you as legislators have an obligation to allocate funds to the state's institutions of higher education, but that doesn't mean you write a check without asking questions," Lennox said. "As the spokesman for 150 students, I am urging subcommittee members to ask questions and demand answers from CMU."
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 18
Observer
posted 2/25/08 @ 12:08 AM EST
For the record, Joe Knollenberg is a CONGRESSMAN and not a STATE REPRESENTATIVE.
It's time to fire Gary Peters and end our long campus nightmare.
Michael O'Dell
posted 2/25/08 @ 12:12 AM EST
Just because Gary Peters' $3,000-an-hour pay cheque comes from an endowment, doesn't mean the school is relived up its obligations as a government agency. (Continued…)
Bart
posted 2/25/08 @ 12:19 AM EST
"Gary Peters is an adult and a politician, and CMU should be answering these questions, not a paid bozo from Oakland County," he said. (Dennis Lennox)
If the above quote and story are correct, then Dennis seems to have realized that he's not going anywhere with this. (Continued…)
bfealk
Bruce Fealk
posted 2/25/08 @ 5:28 AM EST
Dennis Lennox's lies have gone far enough. For him to claim that his issue with Gary Peters is not political is utter nonsense. If it weren't political he wouldn't be holding press conferences with the Chair of the Michigan Republican Party, Saul Anuzis. (Continued…)
Watcher
posted 2/25/08 @ 8:08 AM EST
Bruce Fealk is weird. He's a grown man who has an unhealthy obsession with Joe Knollenberg and lately is obsessed with a young college student. He is a paid political operative, who works for MoveOn. (Continued…)
Michelle LaPlaza
posted 2/25/08 @ 1:50 PM EST
This saga has gone on long enough. CMU president Michael Rao needs to step up and end this controversy by enforcing the contract with Gary Peters.
Peters broke his contract when he announced his campaign for Congress. (Continued…)
Daulton Williams
posted 2/25/08 @ 3:27 PM EST
Kind of makes you wonder what Bruce Freak does with that paper maché head of Knollenberg when he's alone...
bfealk
Bruce Fealk
posted 2/25/08 @ 5:27 PM EST
Since is it weird to care about our country and the types of leaders we elect.
Joe Knollenberg has let his district down at every level. It's time for change
Nick Smith
posted 2/25/08 @ 7:50 PM EST
Kick Lennox out of CMU. Please. He's worthless.
Reader
posted 2/26/08 @ 7:52 AM EST
Bruce Fealk has been arrested:
http://www.oaklandpolitics.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=164
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