Board Report - May 2009

We are waiting with baited breath for the state revenue forecast on Friday. The co-chairs' budget is expected to follow shortly thereafter. I am still hoping that we will have a better than expected number, perhaps $440 or $450 million, but that number may not hold through the session or into next year. I am anticipating bringing a balanced budget to the board based on the co-chairs' budget, as well as a back-up plan, within the next couple of weeks.

Lane Day at the Capitol was a great success with many faculty, staff and students staffing booths in the rotunda and visiting legislators. Thanks to Brett Rowlett for organizing the event.

Lane faculty, staff and students dominated at the Ways and Means hearing in Eugene on May 1. It was abundantly clear that Lane has an essential role and needs to be funded adequately. My thanks to those who turned out to make a statement.

The Go Oregon deferred maintenance project is going well. Legislators from Lane County were here recently to see our progress. To date we have hired 52 people and signed contracts for close to $5 million that will ripple through the community. Legislators got to meet many of our new hires and were very pleased with the way Lane is moving the projects forward. The caliber of our new hires is excellent.

I presented to Congressional staffers on green jobs in Washington, D.C. Since then I have been contacted for input into the legislation on green jobs. I also met with several reporters from the Chronicle of Higher Education and was part of a follow up story on sustainability. While attending the League and American Association of Colleges and Universities, I spent considerable time with Martha Kantor, nominee for under secretary of education.

This is the time of year when there are a number of events. I was pleased to host the Foundation President's Circle reception where we recognized four distinguished alums - Greg Ausland, Betty Doerr, Bill Moshofsky and Fletcher Little. We also held the annual Advisory Committee recognition and hosted the Retirees Association lunch. Thanks to board members who attended these events.

I am happy to note that the college reached a tentative agreement with LCCCEA after only six days! I really appreciate both teams working together to accomplish this. I would also like to note that Jim Salt received a Presidential Citation for leadership from the Oregon Education Association.

Finally, I would like to once again recognize our wonderful Sigma Zeta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa our honorary society for their outstanding achievements this year. I was very proud to escort President of the International Society on to the stage at the opening of the International Convention. She did a great job. I'd like to show you a quick clip of the event and then have Advisor Velda Arnaud and Dee share the awards received.