Despite a controversial past brimming with battles about conflict of interest, Trustee Mimi Coppersmith Fredman became the first woman president of the University's Board of Trustees Saturday.

Trustee William Schreyer, chairman and chief executive officer of Merrill Lynch and Co. Inc., was elected as the board's vice president. Schreyer did not attend Saturday's meeting due to inclement weather, said.

Both nominees ran uncontested.

Coppersmith Fredman, president of the State College advertising agency, The Barash Group, and publisher of Town & Gown and Where & When magazines, became a source of contention on the board because her companies conduct business with the University. Coppersmith Fredman's businesses last year billed the University more than $70,000.

But Coppersmith Fredman gave everyone "a big fat thank you," saying she held no grudges against board members who claimed she was involved in conflicts of interest.

"When the fight's over, it's over," she said, adding that she looked forward to serving the board.

Coppersmith Fredman predicted the current budget crisis would present a continuing economic concern to the board and said she hoped to open more discussion on that matter.

While acknowledging the importance of her status as the first female board president, Huck lauded Coppersmith Fredman, saying, "She's not there because she's a woman -- she's there because she's very competent."

A 1953 University graduate in journalism, Coppersmith Fredman was first elected to the board by the alumni in 1976 for a three-year term and served four more consecutive terms. She was elected to the board's vice presidency in 1988 by a 16-15 vote.

Schreyer, a 1948 University graduate and Princeton, N.J., resident, has served on the board since 1986, when he was appointed by former Gov. Richard Thornburgh.

Board presidents traditionally serve three consecutive one-year terms before handing their position to the board's vice president, Huck said.

Board members and administrators gave Huck a standing ovation, acknowledging his leadership in such events as the University's move to the Big Ten, the 1988 sit-in at the Telecommunications building, and tuition and budget changes.

Other board members elected include:

-- University President Joab Thomas, ex officio secretary.

-- Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations Steve A. Garban, treasurer.

-- Raymond D. Nargi, associate treasurer.

-- David E. Branigan, assistant treasurer.

-- Grace T. Younginger, associate secretary.

-- Carolyn A. Dolbin and Joseph F. Krawiec, assistant secretaries.