OCR Text |
Show April 5, 1985 Page 3 Forum 1411m Rarely does one person have as much influence on anything as Pete Peterson has had on our college. In 1982 Westminster College was on the verge of collapse. The colleges reputation in the community was terrible. Speculation centered not on what classes would be offered but whether the college would still be around for another semester. Creditors hovered like vultures ready to pick dean whatever remained of Westminsters carcass, Coincidentiy or not, the chairman of Westminsters Hoard of Trustees resigned because he didn t have enough time to devote to the college. The president of the college, C. David Cornell, had lost the confidence of the community, the students, and the Hoard of Trustees. The college was ready to close. Hut, it didnt. That it didnt can be credited toone person President James E. "Pete Peterson. On paper he's the most improbable college president imagineable. What kind of college would hire a former Kennecott manager, a former union activist who sounded more at home at the Magna copper pit than in a college boardroom? What kind of college would hire a president who only graduated from high school? College Owes Debt of Gratitude Hesides Pete and Irene Peterson, turn other people are leaving the Westminster community who need mentioning. Allan Kuusisto, academic vice president, like Peterson, came out of retirement to accept his Westminster position. A former college president from New York, Kuusisto was hired just as the new Westminster College of Salt Lake City started operations. That meant Kuusisto had to take major responsibility to make sure the new academic programs were carried out and that the will of the Hoard of Trustees was followed. Coming into a community to supervise an academic overhaul cant be classified as easy. Hut Kuusisto did it . Additionally, under Kuusistos leadership the college shifted its emphasis from adult to more traditional education. This has resulted in an increased enrollment in the college and part of its new found health. A sign of how he and Peterson work together became evident last fall. Suddenly Kuusisto's office door was bricked shut and a wall between his and Petersons outer office was torn down. Instead of two separate fiefdoms, they now work out of the same suite of offices. Only two people comfortable in their roles and willing to work closely together would agree to such an arrangement two people like Kuusisto and Peterson. The high school graduate from Kennecott and the Harvard Ph.D. from Hobart and Mill College complemented each other. Neither tried to do the job of the other. Hoth worked hard to make Westminster a superior place to get an education. Whatever his future might be, the Westminster community owes Kuusisto a debt of gratitude,, The other person leaving Westminster has much more contact with the student body than Kuusisto does; but then again, its part of her job. Dean of Students Debbie Jenkins job is to serve as the direct link between the adminis- tration and the students. Its a job shes per- fectly suited for and has filled superbly. For anyone even remotely connected with any phase of student life or government, Jenkins is a familiar presence. For anyone having a problem, her open door beckons encouragingly. She has a smile for everybody. Hut dont let the smile fool you. Debbie Jenkins can be tough as nails. If someone is unprepared with a proposal for either student government or the college administration, shes not afraid to tell him or her that. She eschews destructive criticism and en- courages constructive criticism. She doesnt threaten but is not afraid to be heard. She shows her love for humanity on a daily basis. Unfortunately for Westminster (but fortunately for her), she and her husband lion have accepted a medical job offer for lion in New Zealand. Somehow, New Zealand is a little far for Jenkins to try to commute. Lets hope someone in New Zealand has sense enough to hire her. She has a lot to offer. The Forum Staff A college thats very smart or acollege very desperate, thats who. Luckily in 1982. the people running the college were both. The Hoard of Trustees knew what it was getting. though. During a similar fiscal crisis in 1979, Peterson had been loaned to the college as acting president. During t at tenure, Peterson proved himself to be a tough administrator, willing to make hard decisions and do unpopular things. Hoth the music program and intercollegiate athletics were eliminated. Other hard decisions also had to be made, and Peterson made them. When he left most people thought the worst was over. It wasn't. By 1982 things were bad again. Drastic actions had to be taken. Peterson was called back. Under Petersons stewardship Westminster radically reorganized. The name of the college was changed. Positions were eliminated. Tenure for faculty was abolished. Nobody was too happy with all the changes, but most people recognized these changes had to come. Hut the changes the college made also had to be sold to the community. Salt Lake City had become accustomed to cosmetic changes at Westminster. The community had to be convinced these changes would really make a difference. So Peterson became a symbol for the college as well. While being a leader might have been difficult for some, it wasnt for Peterson. high-profi- le The members of the 1984-8- 5 Executive Cabinet would like to congratulate the members of the newly elected cabinet on their successful campaign efforts. We hope that you find your experience in - Jeanne BemuU Chris BerUgmle, it Alvey, Tammy ArmantrouU Angie Babcock Linda Karin Jaffife Nanci Boyd, Timothy Burke. Stacy Butters. Armen Dilanchian, Mark Paulos, Jack Sanford nine Janke, Cynthia Jones. John Mallernee. David Neidert, W Thrift. na Thurmond. Patti Llibam, Joe Warner, Marie eiss Sanford Sheri Dearing, Cynthia Jones, Mike Moser, Jack Reporters Layout ... Faculty Adviser Editorial Mike Mover ..Karin Jaffie Senior Layout Assistant Staff Artist scholarships, too. Joel Hastings Director of Photography he hoF s phone Poiicy-T- include the aut Sheri Dearing ngie Babcock. Chris Bertagnola . . . Jack Sanford Kay Uwnbey Submissions must be Forum welcomes letters from students and other readers. be used to verify authenticity o mbers nu illonly numbertphone or staff. Associated Students of Westminster College or of the college administration, faculty ' "- - ant wide' Irene Peterson takes her position as campus first lady seriously. During her husbands tenure she has worked quietly behind the scenes, giving her all to her husband and her college. She didn't have required her to the auctions. candlelight organize Nothing required her to go out into the community to sell the college to skeptical groups. Nothing required her to do anything at all. She and Pete have shown their discriminating taste by finding each other. The Forum staff wishes the Petersons godspeed as they leave for Arizona and a much earned retirement. The Forum Staff nt Sheri Dearmg Sales Manager would not have happened. What most people dont realize is that with his retirement we are losing more than just a president Were also losing Irene. f John Pahmen Managing Editor and Sports Editor Of course, Peterson didn't do all this himself. The entire college community helped in the transformation of Westminsters image. Hut Peterson was the catalyst. Without him it Christopher Bertagnole No, because tuition has increased steadily in the past and it will probably keep doing so, but scholarships have stayed pretty much the same. I feel the Financial Aid Office is trying hard, but its still not doing the students in need up-fro- . tut rum nf of money enough good. The school should be more about this type of thing because it hasn't always been in the past. Advisors should be sharper when it comes to tuition and The Forum of Westminster College of Salt Lake City will be published and distributed while classes are in session during the spring semester. 1985. by the Associated Students of Westminster College, 1840 South i.kH) Last. Salt Lake City. Utah 8410-j- . Slowly Peterson helped nurture Westminsters image. N o longer was the college a fragile, dying thing to be pitied and avoided. Instead, Westminster became vibrant and alive. There was no more talk of a dying Westminster College. Suddenly (ample were talking about the college's future. Karin Jaffie Yes, I can pay most of my tuition with the scholarships Ive received. Although the loans help a lot, its nice to get money you dont have to pay back. Students who complain about not getting enough money are probably not meeting the eligibility requirements because there is plenty of money for students in scholarships." -- student government to be both challenging and rewarding. Best of luck in your endeavors. The 1984-8- 5 Free ut iee Cabinet His scrappy nature, his willingness to speak out. his overwhelming honesty made him a credible spokesman for the college. He seemed to personify the college and all tnat the college had been through. Do you feel that scholarship amounts are keeping pace with tuition increases? letters to the editor Old Officers Congratulate New thats Linda Miller No, as tuition increases so does the cost of living which means that schofarship amounts need to go up also. Students have responsibilities outside of school and they need money to pay rent, bills, etc. instead of paying more money in tuition. If tuition increases 10 percent every year then scholarships should, too. KiuuwwTr" rirwuw m N" J Haul Williamson because last year I didn't receive any scholarships and this year I did. I met the eligibility requirements this year and that definitely makes the difference. Scholarshi p money is there for eligible students to take advantage of and even if tuition increases, theres enough money available." Yes, |