So, I’m trying to read between the lines here. I just want to have a clear understanding. Are you saying that some are more interested in restoring Joe’s legacy than the needs of the university, like affordable tuition?
Nominations are open for 2024 PSU Alumni Trustee Elections:
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Rewind to the post to which I responded and then the post to which it was a response and then play the series forward.
To the best of my recollection Lubrano, Short, and deLevie are the only alumni trustee candidates that have shown up on this board. If anyone can add to that list, s'il vous plait.
I think maybe Alice Pope or one of her minions did for a hot second when she was being nominated.
deLevie was here. Was active for a week or so, then fell off the face of the earth.
I think you’re misunderstanding what I’m asking. The communication for those of you that are alums. But I’m actually wondering if there is they can do to create any meaningful change at the university.
For instance, I think it’s great to that X is connected to the board and getting a contract rid do work for the university. That information is great (and I don’t mean that sarcastically), but how does that knowledge change things?
I knew when I asked it would get responses like this. I’m not trying to call anybody out, and certainly not Barry. I’m just wondering what use the alumni trustees are as a whole when it seems like they can’t effectively change anything. Or can they? That’s what I’m asking.
What other answer did you expect? Need to start somewhere. Corruption and incompetence love apathy and thrive in silence.
They aren't a "whole", they are eight who appear to do very little and one who takes the job seriously. Ideally, it should never be the Alumni Trustees against the rest, but rather the entire board working to set direction for the Administration to make Penn State more affordable and more attractive. Unfortunately, we are far from ideal.
So, the overall sentiment from you, Barry, Grim, and some others is that the other eight need to be voted out and replaced with candidates who want to make the university more affordable and attractive? I’m all for that, but who are the candidates that will actually accomplish something?
OK, let’s start there because that gets closer to my question. Would it matter if the nine of them worked together? What difference could they make?
I’m editing this to change the wording of the last sentence. Could they make a difference?
It’s difficult to answer that question. The last time board felt threatened by alumni influence, they increased the number of members to reduce the impact of the the 9.
Well, it seems all you and 99 want to do is minimize the Alumni trustees for some unknown purpose. Why don't you and 99 just keep quiet, don't vote, and happily accept whatever is coming. You apparently would be happier that way. Many of us however would like representation on the board that we know is/are acting in our best interests.
Yes. Could force greater transparency and accountability which could lead to change.
Therein lies the rub. It's no so much a matter of votes/number, but the ability of the Board to keep everything hidden and stifle discussion. More difficult to do when faced with a larger array.
I’m not voting, I didn’t attend Penn State. I think I already stated that.
I'm not sure what you’re not getting here. I’m simply asking the question of what 9 involved, active alumni board members could accomplish that 1 can’t. You’re taking it antagonistically for some reason but that’s not how I’m intending it.
We are asking questions. Questions are good, right? My question is, who is a good representative seeking a board spot that will give us the things we all want. The best representation of the university and the best interests of the alumni for things like affordable tuition, etc. To get change, you have to change those that aren’t accomplishing that, correct? So, the other eight need to be replaced, no? It seems like that’s the overwhelming sentiment here, but for some reason, no one will confirm it. Who are good, fresh candidates?
I think you and others are minimizing the other eight adequately, no need for me to do it.
Fair enough. But I assumed you were kidding/antagonizing when you suggested nine couldn't accomplish more than one.
Wow, I'm sorry. I really didn't think you were serious.
Conduct of meetings that would comport with the law of the land and with responsible governance practices.
Deliberation and discussion of critical issues facing the University.
Sound fiscal and financial policies and decisions.
Policies and practices that would elevate (starting with stopping the decline) of the University's academic enterprise.
Bringing talents and expertise forward to assist in developing actions and strategies beneficial to the University's stakeholders.
Accountability of administration and governance leadership.
We are a long way from success in any of those arenas. One step forward in any of those areas (and we have at least seen a few baby steps) is better than zero. Admittedly, it hasn't been nearly enough to close the gap. More would be better.
I guess that’s what I’m asking though. My familiarity with the PSU BOT started with the Sandusky scandal. What I learned then was that the alumni members are powerless to accomplish much of anything unless the power brokers let it happen. Has that changed at all or is it still the same basic situation?
I’m not knocking the things you list here as a menu of things that should be changed. I’m just wondering (legitimately wondering, not being passively aggressive) if it’s feasible.
Certainly. Though at some point the lens has to be widened far broader than concern over just "alumni trustees".
What will it take? A lot. How difficult is the challenge? Very.
What do you mean by broadening the lens? I’m only asking about the alumni BOT because that is what this thread is about.
CvilleElksCoach
Well-known member
Al and McGloin are joined at the hip. I ran into them at several functions at the Peach bowl including Neeli’s donor party, an NIL function and another private event. Plus they were constantly around the team hotel bar trying to get noticed.
I won’t share a name but the two of them came up to me and a current player not to be name ad we were talking. I introduced them to the player. After they left, the player asked me to confirm who McGloin was. Then he said oh ok, I hear he’s a dick.
I confirmed his info.I believe GR is opining that he'll have plenty of company with those other ones.
Trying to get a straight answer here is like looking for a chicken's teeth.
Electing right-minded alumni trustees will not guarantee positive change. Not electing them guarantees that things will only get worse. Probably not straight enough for you.
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