Student leaders say goodbye at Trustees meeting

By ERIN STROUT
Collegian Staff Writer

HERSHEY -- Student leaders bid their fond farewells to the University Board of Trustees on Saturday during the students' last meeting as representatives to the board.

Jennifer Stickney, Graduate Student Association president, said concerns of graduates, such as health care, child care and funding are not as recognized at the University. She said through representing graduate students, she was glad to bring those matters to the board.

Although his term only lasted for two board meetings, Jeff Butler, Council of Commonwealth Student Governments board liaison, said he learned more than what textbooks could teach him. "I'm just starting to get the hang of it and now I have to leave," he said.

He congratulated the board on its selection of University President-elect Graham Spanier and thanked the board for listening to the concerns of Commonwealth Campus students.

Undergraduate Student Government President Mike King ended the speeches by commending the board for its commitment to Penn State.

Regretting that he will not be around to see Spanier's term, King called what lies ahead for the University "challenging," facing financial constraints and strained town/gown relations.

"Things are certainly far from perfect in Happy Valley," King said.

But amid the excitement of naming the new president, King did not forget current University President Joab Thomas.

"I will miss you, Penn State will miss you, and I thank you very much for what you've done for me," King said.

Board President William Schreyer thanked the three for their participation and wished them well for their futures.

Student Trustee Don Lamuth will also graduate in May, but made no formal announcement to the board.