Meeting Minutes, September 20, 2002
BackCreator: Offices of Board of Trustees and President
Subjects: Administration, Board of Trustees, BOT Minute Books
Date: September 20, 2002
Format: Text/pdf
Original Format: Computer file
Resource Identifier: SEPTEMBER 20 2002.pdf
Collection Number: UA 1
Language: English
Rights Management: Educational use only, no other permissions given. Copyright to this resource is held by Michigan State University and is provided here for educational purposes only. It may not be reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.
Contributing Institution: Offices of Board of Trustees and President; University Archives & Historical Collections; MATRIX
Contributor: Offices of Board of Trustees and President
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Transcript: MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
September 20, 2002
President McPherson called the meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 10:40 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2002 in the Lincoln Room of the Kellogg Center.
Trustees present: Dolores M. Cook, Joel I. Ferguson, Dorothy V. Gonzales,
Colleen M. McNamara, Donald W. Nugent, Randall L. Pittman, and G. Scott Romney.
Trustee absent: David L. Porteous.
University officers present: President McPherson, Provost Simon, Secretary Carter, Vice President and General Counsel Noto, Vice Presidents Denbow, Huggett, June, and Webb, Executive Director Williams, and Senior Advisor and Director Granberry Russell. Faculty Liaisons present: James Potchen, Linda Lou Smith, and
Brian Teppen. Student Liaisons present: Jim Ciszewski, Matthew Clayson,
Misty Staunton, and Matthew Weingarden.
All actions taken were by unanimous vote of the Trustees present, unless otherwise noted.
1. On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Ferguson, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the amended agenda. The agenda was amended to include a naming opportunity, item number four below.
2. Public Participation
There were no requests to address the Board of Trustees on issues germane to the agenda or on other issues.
3. The Campaign for MSU
It was recommended that the MSU Board of Trustees authorize The Campaign for MSU as a comprehensive fund raising program for Michigan State University, and establish a goal of $1,200,000,000 to be raised by
June 30, 2007. The campaign will be known as The Campaign for MSU: Advancing Knowledge. Transforming Lives.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Ms. Cook, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the Campaign for MSU.
President McPherson said that this is truly an exciting day. He indicated that significant fundraising progress has already been made, and it is broadly felt that the University will be able to reach the remainder of this goal. We need to do it and we believe in it, he said, in terms of maintaining faculty, building facilities, performing vital research, and solving problems in the State and around the world. There has not been a day on campus, Mr. McPherson said, where he has felt so much excitement.
President McPherson pointed out that an excess of $600 million has already been raised in the silent phase of the Campaign. This leaves a huge amount still to be raised, but there is already overwhelming support for this goal. During the last year, he said, staff, faculty, and retirees contributed $7 million to the University, and they contributed $5 million the previous year. He said that when people who work at MSU every day make that kind of commitment, it makes the message loud and clear that this Campaign is a significant step. Mr. McPherson also noted that Vice President Chuck Webb and his staff have done a wonderful job in preparing for this event.
Trustee Nugent commented that this is a great day for Michigan State University, for the University Development staff, and for the Capital Campaign Cabinet that has worked so hard to put this together. This Campaign, he said, moves Michigan State University forward, and he is pleased to be part of this important moment.
Trustee McNamara said that she is amazed at the number of people who love the University and who have given so much of their time and resources to help the University maintain excellence. She thanked everyone involved with the Campaign.
Trustee Romney said that it is an honor to be on the MSU Board of Trustees and to serve with other members of the Board in this capacity. The Board works together, he commented, to try to help the President solve the problems of the University. There is a great spirit of cooperation among Board members, he indicated, and the Board has enormous respect for President McPherson and Provost Simon. He thanked them for their leadership, direction, and inspiration. Mr. Romney said that the greatest honor was to spend time today with those who have given of their talents and resources. Their commitment to this wonderful institution has inspired so many others to great achievements.
Trustee Gonzales said that it is a pleasure to know that the faculty and staff pitch in to help students. She thanked the generous donors, specifically Trustee Cook, for giving so much because those gifts, she emphasized, make MSU a better place.
Trustee Cook commented that the meeting felt like a family wedding because she was delighted to see everyone who was in attendance. It is so energizing, she emphasized, to be with the people who have meant so much to the University over the years and who have contributed of their talents and resources. Ms. Cook noted that Dr. Webb and his staff have accomplished so much. She said that this Campaign is about the future of the University, and to share the day with so many people who love the University kicks the Campaign off in a special way. The real work is ahead, she said, but we will be able to do this because it is right for MSU.
Trustee Pittman said that it is an honor to be a Trustee at Michigan State University because all members of the Board have a deep love for the University and an appreciation of what the University has done for each of them. This is a big goal, he said, but it is the kind of goal that MSU should set, and it is the kind of goal that MSU will achieve. He thanked the members of the Campaign Cabinet who have spent so much time preparing for this day. Mr. Pittman indicated that members of the Cabinet have come from around the world to participate in this event, and they will provide the leadership that makes this goal achievable to help future generations at Michigan State.
Trustee Ferguson said that when Mr. Pittman leaves the Board, his mark on the University will be felt for centuries. Prior to his appointment to the Board, Mr. Ferguson said, Mr. Pittman worked behind the scenes to make MSU a better place, and he will continue to do so.
Trustee Ferguson joked that people often tell him that he gives good advice. One time, he said, he gave very bad advice. He said that he discouraged Chuck Webb from taking the job as Vice President for University Development because President McPherson would keep score. Every year, he said, Chuck would have to outdo the previous year, and it would not be the best thing for Chuck or his family. Mr. Ferguson noted that it was a good thing that Chuck didn’t listen to him, and the University is much better for it. Dr. Webb has done a wonderful job for the University, he emphasized, and he pushes himself to achieve more and more each year.
President McPherson said that college deans, department chairs, directors, and faculty members have mobilized to move this Campaign forward.
Mr. McPherson said that the money being donated is key, but what is really driving this Campaign are the important initiatives being taken up by the University. He added that at the end of last year, the University had an $810 million endowment, which is second to last in the Big Ten, and MSU is never willing to be second to last in the Big Ten.
President McPherson introduced the honorary co-chairs who attended the meeting: Pauline Adams, John & Nancy DiBiaggio, Cecil and Clare Mackey, and Russ Mawby. He indicated that the remaining co-chairs would be at other events throughout the day. Mr. McPherson also introduced Campaign Cabinet co-chairs in attendance: Dolores Cook, Lynn Myers, Randall Pittman,
Glenn Schafer, Gary Seevers, Ken Way, and Pat Geoghegan.
4. Naming Opportunity
It was recommended that the Board authorize the renaming of Marshall Hall to Marshall-Adams Hall in honor of Dr. Walter Adams.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the naming.
President McPherson announced that Trustee Randall Pittman, and his wife Mary, have chosen to donate $6 million for the renovation of Marshall Hall. Marshall Hall, he explained, is a very old building on faculty row that was built in the 1890s. Time has taken its toll on the building, he said, so this gift is extremely generous and timely. Mr. McPherson indicated that the Pittmans wish to have the building renamed Marshall-Adams, in honor of professor of economics and former president, Walter Adams. He said that Walter Adams left his mark on so many people at the University. Marshall Hall currently houses the Economics department, where Walter Adams’ office was located.
Trustee Pittman pointed out that Dr. Adams was a professor to both himself and to Trustee Romney. Mr. Pittman said that Dr. Adams impacted the lives of thousands of Michigan State students. He said that he feels fortunate to be able to make this gift on behalf of all the students who had the privilege of spending time with Dr. Adams in the classroom. Mr. Pittman talked about Dr. Adams’ annual final lecture. Dr. Adams would say to his students, “I’m passing on the torch. Which of you will pick it up and carry it on?” Trustee Pittman said Dr. Adams believed in that torch, and he believed in leadership, and this gift is given in the spirit of Dr. Adams and what he taught.
Pauline Adams thanked everyone, and said that this validates her belief that the student-teacher relationship is vital for the University.
President McPherson said that Walter Adams would be very proud of Trustee Pittman, not only for what he has achieved, but also for his generosity and contributions to MSU.
5. An Executive Session was not requested.
6. On a motion by Mr. Ferguson, supported by Ms. Cook, the Board voted to adjourn at 11:01 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
L. Susan Carter, J.D.
Secretary of the Board of Trustees
Request a ReproductionOF THE
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
September 20, 2002
President McPherson called the meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 10:40 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2002 in the Lincoln Room of the Kellogg Center.
Trustees present: Dolores M. Cook, Joel I. Ferguson, Dorothy V. Gonzales,
Colleen M. McNamara, Donald W. Nugent, Randall L. Pittman, and G. Scott Romney.
Trustee absent: David L. Porteous.
University officers present: President McPherson, Provost Simon, Secretary Carter, Vice President and General Counsel Noto, Vice Presidents Denbow, Huggett, June, and Webb, Executive Director Williams, and Senior Advisor and Director Granberry Russell. Faculty Liaisons present: James Potchen, Linda Lou Smith, and
Brian Teppen. Student Liaisons present: Jim Ciszewski, Matthew Clayson,
Misty Staunton, and Matthew Weingarden.
All actions taken were by unanimous vote of the Trustees present, unless otherwise noted.
1. On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Ferguson, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the amended agenda. The agenda was amended to include a naming opportunity, item number four below.
2. Public Participation
There were no requests to address the Board of Trustees on issues germane to the agenda or on other issues.
3. The Campaign for MSU
It was recommended that the MSU Board of Trustees authorize The Campaign for MSU as a comprehensive fund raising program for Michigan State University, and establish a goal of $1,200,000,000 to be raised by
June 30, 2007. The campaign will be known as The Campaign for MSU: Advancing Knowledge. Transforming Lives.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Ms. Cook, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the Campaign for MSU.
President McPherson said that this is truly an exciting day. He indicated that significant fundraising progress has already been made, and it is broadly felt that the University will be able to reach the remainder of this goal. We need to do it and we believe in it, he said, in terms of maintaining faculty, building facilities, performing vital research, and solving problems in the State and around the world. There has not been a day on campus, Mr. McPherson said, where he has felt so much excitement.
President McPherson pointed out that an excess of $600 million has already been raised in the silent phase of the Campaign. This leaves a huge amount still to be raised, but there is already overwhelming support for this goal. During the last year, he said, staff, faculty, and retirees contributed $7 million to the University, and they contributed $5 million the previous year. He said that when people who work at MSU every day make that kind of commitment, it makes the message loud and clear that this Campaign is a significant step. Mr. McPherson also noted that Vice President Chuck Webb and his staff have done a wonderful job in preparing for this event.
Trustee Nugent commented that this is a great day for Michigan State University, for the University Development staff, and for the Capital Campaign Cabinet that has worked so hard to put this together. This Campaign, he said, moves Michigan State University forward, and he is pleased to be part of this important moment.
Trustee McNamara said that she is amazed at the number of people who love the University and who have given so much of their time and resources to help the University maintain excellence. She thanked everyone involved with the Campaign.
Trustee Romney said that it is an honor to be on the MSU Board of Trustees and to serve with other members of the Board in this capacity. The Board works together, he commented, to try to help the President solve the problems of the University. There is a great spirit of cooperation among Board members, he indicated, and the Board has enormous respect for President McPherson and Provost Simon. He thanked them for their leadership, direction, and inspiration. Mr. Romney said that the greatest honor was to spend time today with those who have given of their talents and resources. Their commitment to this wonderful institution has inspired so many others to great achievements.
Trustee Gonzales said that it is a pleasure to know that the faculty and staff pitch in to help students. She thanked the generous donors, specifically Trustee Cook, for giving so much because those gifts, she emphasized, make MSU a better place.
Trustee Cook commented that the meeting felt like a family wedding because she was delighted to see everyone who was in attendance. It is so energizing, she emphasized, to be with the people who have meant so much to the University over the years and who have contributed of their talents and resources. Ms. Cook noted that Dr. Webb and his staff have accomplished so much. She said that this Campaign is about the future of the University, and to share the day with so many people who love the University kicks the Campaign off in a special way. The real work is ahead, she said, but we will be able to do this because it is right for MSU.
Trustee Pittman said that it is an honor to be a Trustee at Michigan State University because all members of the Board have a deep love for the University and an appreciation of what the University has done for each of them. This is a big goal, he said, but it is the kind of goal that MSU should set, and it is the kind of goal that MSU will achieve. He thanked the members of the Campaign Cabinet who have spent so much time preparing for this day. Mr. Pittman indicated that members of the Cabinet have come from around the world to participate in this event, and they will provide the leadership that makes this goal achievable to help future generations at Michigan State.
Trustee Ferguson said that when Mr. Pittman leaves the Board, his mark on the University will be felt for centuries. Prior to his appointment to the Board, Mr. Ferguson said, Mr. Pittman worked behind the scenes to make MSU a better place, and he will continue to do so.
Trustee Ferguson joked that people often tell him that he gives good advice. One time, he said, he gave very bad advice. He said that he discouraged Chuck Webb from taking the job as Vice President for University Development because President McPherson would keep score. Every year, he said, Chuck would have to outdo the previous year, and it would not be the best thing for Chuck or his family. Mr. Ferguson noted that it was a good thing that Chuck didn’t listen to him, and the University is much better for it. Dr. Webb has done a wonderful job for the University, he emphasized, and he pushes himself to achieve more and more each year.
President McPherson said that college deans, department chairs, directors, and faculty members have mobilized to move this Campaign forward.
Mr. McPherson said that the money being donated is key, but what is really driving this Campaign are the important initiatives being taken up by the University. He added that at the end of last year, the University had an $810 million endowment, which is second to last in the Big Ten, and MSU is never willing to be second to last in the Big Ten.
President McPherson introduced the honorary co-chairs who attended the meeting: Pauline Adams, John & Nancy DiBiaggio, Cecil and Clare Mackey, and Russ Mawby. He indicated that the remaining co-chairs would be at other events throughout the day. Mr. McPherson also introduced Campaign Cabinet co-chairs in attendance: Dolores Cook, Lynn Myers, Randall Pittman,
Glenn Schafer, Gary Seevers, Ken Way, and Pat Geoghegan.
4. Naming Opportunity
It was recommended that the Board authorize the renaming of Marshall Hall to Marshall-Adams Hall in honor of Dr. Walter Adams.
On a motion by Mr. Nugent, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the naming.
President McPherson announced that Trustee Randall Pittman, and his wife Mary, have chosen to donate $6 million for the renovation of Marshall Hall. Marshall Hall, he explained, is a very old building on faculty row that was built in the 1890s. Time has taken its toll on the building, he said, so this gift is extremely generous and timely. Mr. McPherson indicated that the Pittmans wish to have the building renamed Marshall-Adams, in honor of professor of economics and former president, Walter Adams. He said that Walter Adams left his mark on so many people at the University. Marshall Hall currently houses the Economics department, where Walter Adams’ office was located.
Trustee Pittman pointed out that Dr. Adams was a professor to both himself and to Trustee Romney. Mr. Pittman said that Dr. Adams impacted the lives of thousands of Michigan State students. He said that he feels fortunate to be able to make this gift on behalf of all the students who had the privilege of spending time with Dr. Adams in the classroom. Mr. Pittman talked about Dr. Adams’ annual final lecture. Dr. Adams would say to his students, “I’m passing on the torch. Which of you will pick it up and carry it on?” Trustee Pittman said Dr. Adams believed in that torch, and he believed in leadership, and this gift is given in the spirit of Dr. Adams and what he taught.
Pauline Adams thanked everyone, and said that this validates her belief that the student-teacher relationship is vital for the University.
President McPherson said that Walter Adams would be very proud of Trustee Pittman, not only for what he has achieved, but also for his generosity and contributions to MSU.
5. An Executive Session was not requested.
6. On a motion by Mr. Ferguson, supported by Ms. Cook, the Board voted to adjourn at 11:01 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
L. Susan Carter, J.D.
Secretary of the Board of Trustees
