BOT Candidates to participate in forum March 15th

[TiogaLion]

This came in Sunday and I haven't seen it posted. Several new names below.

https://www.psu.edu/news/administration/story/alumni-board-trustees-candidates-participate-march-15-forum/

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — WPSU will host an alumni trustees forum at 7 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 15, via livestream to introduce alumni candidates seeking to join the University’s Board of Trustees.

Viewers will be able to join the livestream at https://www.watch.psu.edu/watch-psu-edu-botforum/. The program will also be archived for later viewing.

This first-ever forum is an opportunity for candidates to introduce themselves to alumni voters, and for alumni to learn more about the individuals vying for seats on the Board of Trustees.

Eight alumni are on ballot for three seats in this year’s alumni trustees election. The candidates, listed in ballot order, are:

• Randolph “Randy” B. Houston, Jr. ’91 Lib Teaneck, New Jersey
• Melinda E. Kuritzky ’06 Lib Washington, D.C.
• Ali Krieger ’07 Com Montclair, New Jersey
• Anthony P. Lubrano ’82 Bus Paoli, Pennsylvania
• Kevin F. Carey ‘89 Lib Annapolis, Maryland
• Joseph “Jay” V. Paterno ’91 Lib State College, Pennsylvania
• Uma P. Moriarity ’14 Bus Mountain View, California
• Alice W. Pope ’79, ’83g, ‘86g, Lib Brooklyn, New York

Biographies and statements from each candidate are available on the Board of Trustees website.

 

[Midnighter]

This came in Sunday and I haven't seen it posted. Several new names below.

https://www.psu.edu/news/administra...ustees-candidates-participate-march-15-forum/

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — WPSU will host an alumni trustees forum at 7 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 15, via livestream to introduce alumni candidates seeking to join the University’s Board of Trustees.

Viewers will be able to join the livestream at https://www.watch.psu.edu/watch-psu-edu-botforum/. The program will also be archived for later viewing.

This first-ever forum is an opportunity for candidates to introduce themselves to alumni voters, and for alumni to learn more about the individuals vying for seats on the Board of Trustees.

Eight alumni are on ballot for three seats in this year’s alumni trustees election. The candidates, listed in ballot order, are:

• Randolph “Randy” B. Houston, Jr. ’91 Lib Teaneck, New Jersey
• Melinda E. Kuritzky ’06 Lib Washington, D.C.
• Ali Krieger ’07 Com Montclair, New Jersey
• Anthony P. Lubrano ’82 Bus Paoli, Pennsylvania
• Kevin F. Carey ‘89 Lib Annapolis, Maryland
• Joseph “Jay” V. Paterno ’91 Lib State College, Pennsylvania
• Uma P. Moriarity ’14 Bus Mountain View, California
• Alice W. Pope ’79, ’83g, ‘86g, Lib Brooklyn, New York

Biographies and statements from each candidate are available on the Board of Trustees website.

Just got my Penn Stater yesterday and saw there was an article about the BOT and Alumni Trustee Election. Free to read below. The Penn State Forward bloc is very ambitious and idealistic, and while I like that they are organized around a central platform, some stuff is just never going to fly (governance, BOT reform). Still, might vote for them.

Across the Board

On the eve of the annual alumni trustee election, here's a closer look at the makeup and responsibilities of Penn State's governing body.

pennstatermag.com

 

[Zenophile]

Just got my Penn Stater yesterday and saw there was an article about the BOT and Alumni Trustee Election. Free to read below. The Penn State Forward bloc is very ambitious and idealistic, and while I like that they are organized around a central platform, some stuff is just never going to fly (governance, BOT reform). Still, might vote for them.

Across the Board

On the eve of the annual alumni trustee election, here's a closer look at the makeup and responsibilities of Penn State's governing body.

pennstatermag.com

It’s your vote to cast. I’ll be voting for the candidates for whom the restoration of alumni relations is a priority.

 

[Midnighter]

It’s your vote to cast. I’ll be voting for the candidates for whom the restoration of alumni relations is a priority.

The ones we have now have been there and had their chance - what will they do differently going forward? I’d like to see PSU improve its academic ranking and make life better for students. As an alum I don’t care much at this point - it think the nine are, with apologies to Fitzgerald, ‘boats against the current’ for the most part - just not much is or ever will change from their efforts for better or worse. The deck is stacked. I’m all for fresh faces and ideas at this point.

 

[Zenophile]

The ones we have now have been there and had their chance - what will they do differently going forward? I’d like to see PSU improve its academic ranking and make life better for students. As an alum I don’t care much at this point - it think the nine are, with apologies to Fitzgerald, ‘boats against the current’ for the most part - just not much is or ever will change from their efforts for better or worse. The deck is stacked. I’m all for fresh faces and ideas at this point.

No doubt you’ve been on your share of boards also, so you know from experience how effective “fresh faces” are.

Like I said it’s your vote to cast.

 

[Midnighter]

No doubt you’ve been on your share of boards also, so you know from experience how effective “fresh faces” are.

Like I said it’s your vote to cast.

I know that there is a word for doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. And it’s three votes.

 

[fairgambit]

Recently the candidates held a practice session in advance of the forum. Here is an actual photo of the event.
Note: Mr. Lubrano did not attend the practice session.
His photo is below the attendees.

In fairness, I will spend time evaluating all the candidates, but if i were voting today, I would cast but one vote, for Mr. Lubrano.

 

[Nitt1300]

 

[PSUFTG]

If I may:

If someone wants to be part of the "getting better":

Look at many of the position statements.
As just one example (and you can pick your favorite), you are likely to see many with the recycled nebulous inanity about any number of issues - which may or may not be issues relevant to Penn State's missions. In any event, look at those that are most important to you - for example, the often-cited issues of "affordability". Realize that a donkey can bray out "affordability". A parakeet can be trained to regurgitate "lower tuition" on demand. A chicken at a typewriter can be coached to peck out "improving access".
But contact the candidates (Can't contact them? Then for heaven's sake don't vote for them). Pick your favorite/most important issue, and ask them, for example, along the "affordability" issue: WHERE PSU stands relative to her B10 peers wrt tuition for in-state students? See if they can even give you an accurate and meaningful answer. Ask them WHY is Penn State's tuition so much higher - and WHAT specifically can we/could we/should we do to improve?

If they can't give you sound, rational, logical, actionable responses to the issues you think are important to you - move on.
You will likely find that some of the candidates have the knowledge, experience, and have put in the effort to address your concerns - and some "not so much".

Expect more of those who ask for your authorization to represent your interests.
Right?

 

[JohnJumba]

I'd like the BoT to employ honesty and undo the Snidely Whiplash shenanigans of the past. Especially with regard to Paterno.

 

[Midnighter]

If I may:

If someone wants to be part of the "getting better":

Look at many of the position statements.
As just one example (and you can pick your favorite), you are likely to see many with the recycled nebulous inanity about any number of issues - which may or may not be issues relevant to Penn State's missions. In any event, look at those that are most important to you - for example, the often-cited issues of "affordability". Realize that a donkey can bray out "affordability". A parakeet can be trained to regurgitate "lower tuition" on demand. A chicken at a typewriter can be coached to peck out "improving access".
But contact the candidates (Can't contact them? Then for heaven's sake don't vote for them). Pick your favorite/most important issue, and ask them, for example, along the "affordability" issue: WHERE PSU stands relative to her B10 peers wrt tuition for in-state students? See if they can even give you an accurate and meaningful answer. Ask them WHY is Penn State's tuition so much higher - and WHAT specifically can we/could we/should we do to improve?

If they can't give you sound, rational, logical, actionable responses to the issues you think are important to you - move on.
You will likely find that some of the candidates have the knowledge, experience, and have put in the effort to address your concerns - and some "not so much".

Expect more of those who ask for your authorization to represent your interests.
Right?

I voted for you Barry knowing full well you will never be able to get anyone on the board to think twice about spending way more money than necessary. But, your voice is appreciated and noted and you are a much needed ‘fresh face’. It's enough for me that you 'say' these things despite you having no actionable way of implementing them, To that end, alumni trustees matter very little in terms of their ability to impact Penn State in any meaningful way. It is what it is.

 

[PSUFTG]

I voted for you Barry knowing full well you will never be able to get anyone on the board to think twice about spending way more money than necessary. But, your voice is appreciated and noted and you are a much needed ‘fresh face’. It's enough for me that you 'say' these things despite you having no actionable way of implementing them, To that end, alumni trustees matter very little in terms of their ability to impact Penn State in any meaningful way. It is what it is.

"... will never be able to get anyone on the board to think twice about spending way more money than necessary... "I understand your thinking behind that, believe me (and I certainly appreciate your support)


That said, I wouldn't do what I do if I didn't believe that can - at least in bits and pieces over time - change. And I think - in bits and pieces - it may be.

 

[Bwifan]

The ones we have now have been there and had their chance - what will they do differently going forward? I’d like to see PSU improve its academic ranking and make life better for students. As an alum I don’t care much at this point - it think the nine are, with apologies to Fitzgerald, ‘boats against the current’ for the most part - just not much is or ever will change from their efforts for better or worse. The deck is stacked. I’m all for fresh faces and ideas at this point.

At times I feel most of the BOT members remind me of this...

 

[Nitt1300]

I'd like the BoT to employ honesty and undo the Snidely Whiplash shenanigans of the past. Especially with regard to Paterno.

people in Hell would like ice water

 

[TiogaLion]

Just got my Penn Stater yesterday and saw there was an article about the BOT and Alumni Trustee Election. Free to read below. The Penn State Forward bloc is very ambitious and idealistic, and while I like that they are organized around a central platform, some stuff is just never going to fly (governance, BOT reform). Still, might vote for them.

Across the Board

On the eve of the annual alumni trustee election, here's a closer look at the makeup and responsibilities of Penn State's governing body.

pennstatermag.com

The Forward group has no interest in making the University stronger, They are a National Organization that is attempting to get on University Boards in a attempt to push exactly two things: Climate Change initiatives and DEIB. They are a very aggressive group.

What we need is more people whose goals are to make sure the University is fiscally responsible, strong academically, and affordable. Barry seems to be the only person on the board who believes that these are the goals. He needs help and if by chance we had 9 members working in concert they would be a much stronger force.

At the end of the day, the board should be needed for one monumental task and that is selecting the next President of the University. Our board has failed miserably on two attempt (Erickson and Barron) and a third is looking no better. Because of these failures our board has to be very involved.

 

[Midnighter]

The Forward group has no interest in making the University stronger, They are a National Organization that is attempting to get on University Boards in a attempt to push exactly two things: Climate Change initiatives and DEIB. They are a very aggressive group.

What we need is more people whose goals are to make sure the University is fiscally responsible, strong academically, and affordable. Barry seems to be the only person on the board who believes that these are the goals. He needs help and if by chance we had 9 members working in concert they would be a much stronger force.

At the end of the day, the board should be needed for one monumental task and that is selecting the next President of the University. Our board has failed miserably on two attempt (Erickson and Barron) and a third is looking no better. Because of these failures our board has to be very involved.

Why aren’t the 9 working in concert? ‘We’ have been firmly in control of these seats for some time so I don’t get why only Barry questions spending and other BoT actions.

 

[CvilleElksCoach]

The Forward group has no interest in making the University stronger, They are a National Organization that is attempting to get on University Boards in a attempt to push exactly two things: Climate Change initiatives and DEIB. They are a very aggressive group.

What we need is more people whose goals are to make sure the University is fiscally responsible, strong academically, and affordable. Barry seems to be the only person on the board who believes that these are the goals. He needs help and if by chance we had 9 members working in concert they would be a much stronger force.

At the end of the day, the board should be needed for one monumental task and that is selecting the next President of the University. Our board has failed miserably on two attempt (Erickson and Barron) and a third is looking no better. Because of these failures our board has to be very involved.

While I would agree with you on your first two paragraphs, I don't on the third. Neeli is at least taking action around the university getting rid of people that have needed to go for a long time. Give her some time. She walked into quite a mess. I think she will succeed.

 

[TiogaLion]

While I would agree with you on your first two paragraphs, I don't on the third. Neeli is at least taking action around the university getting rid of people that have needed to go for a long time. Give her some time. She walked into quite a mess. I think she will succeed.

I understand your logic but her first, what she'll call meaningful, action was to create a DEIB Dashboard. I'll repeat, the first thing she went after is a DEIB Dashboard! Does she really think that the most important for her administration to due was create a DEIB Dashboard? Also, the shell game she's orchestrating with the budget is a farce. The University needs a cost reduction program that will reduce real costs, not just shift money around, all the while attempting to get the state to cover the shortfall. I could go on and on so I'll leave you with Frank Drebin.

 

[CvilleElksCoach]

I understand your logic but her first, what she'll call meaningful, action was to create a DEIB Dashboard. I'll repeat, the first thing she went after is a DEIB Dashboard! Does she really think that the most important for her administration to due was create a DEIB Dashboard? Also, the shell game she's orchestrating with the budget is a farce. The University needs a cost reduction program that will reduce real costs, not just shift money around, all the while attempting to get the state to cover the shortfall. I could go on and on so I'll leave you with Frank Drebin.

If you think that is the first thing she has done, you have been sleeping under a rock for the last 8 months. The first thing she did was hire Pat Kraft. I call that a huge win for Penn State. There are many others. While I get you may have personal feelings about DEIB, it's the world academia operates in right now. Penn State does need to improve in some of those areas. If you can't accept it, I suggest your turn your allegiance somewhere else like maybe Liberty University.

 

[TiogaLion]

If you think that is the first thing she has done, you have been sleeping under a rock for the last 8 months. The first thing she did was hire Pat Kraft. I call that a huge win for Penn State. There are many others. While I get you may have personal feelings about DEIB, it's the world academia operates in right now. Penn State does need to improve in some of those areas. If you can't accept it, I suggest your turn your allegiance somewhere else like maybe Liberty University.

I'll give her Pat Kraft who appears to be the right hire but no way do I accept Liberty University. DEIB is so far down the road of what's important at the University it should only be on a Strategic Plan (3 - 10 year horizon) and no where near the Business Plan (3 year time-frame). If you somehow feel DEIB needs to be front and center while our academic ratings have plummeted, our tuition has sky-rocketed, and our student body has shifted from 15% out-of-state to 50% out-of-state I don't know what to tell you.

 

[J.E.B]

I understand your logic but her first, what she'll call meaningful, action was to create a DEIB Dashboard. I'll repeat, the first thing she went after is a DEIB Dashboard! Does she really think that the most important for her administration to due was create a DEIB Dashboard? Also, the shell game she's orchestrating with the budget is a farce. The University needs a cost reduction program that will reduce real costs, not just shift money around, all the while attempting to get the state to cover the shortfall. I could go on and on so I'll leave you with Frank Drebin.

Expect major staffing cuts at the end of the semester now that Neeli struck out getting more from Pa. which will never happen and which is probably good because it forces the university to trim the extreme bloat across the board. It also forces the university into finding how to grow the top line in more creative ways. It can't be give me, give me, give me. Many are spending the break fine tuning their resumes.

 

[CvilleElksCoach]

Expect major staffing cuts at the end of the semester now that Neeli struck out getting more from Pa. which will never happen and which is probably good because it forces the university to trim the extreme bloat across the board. It also forces the university into finding how to grow the top line in more creative ways. It can't be give me, give me, give me. Many are spending the break fine tuning their resumes.

Many of the cuts have already begun. They just haven't been announced. Many here will be familiar with many of the names.

 

[GrimReaper]

Many of the cuts have already begun. They just haven't been announced. Many here will be familiar with many of the names.

How much are those staff cuts going to total in dollars and cents? Dr. Bendapudi has her work cut out for her in making PSU more affordable. I don't think it will happen, but I'd love to be proven wrong.

 

[JohnJumba]

Only the courts and legislative action will result in BoT reform.