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Show SOUTHERN UTAH STATE COLLEGE, CEDAR CITY THE THUNDERBIRD THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1989 PAGE 4 LAWMAKERS INVEST IN UTAHS FUTURE Keeping with tradition, Utah legislators waited until the final hours last night before making their most crucial funding decisions. But the outcome of the 1989 legislative session is well worth the wait, as our lawmakers voted to pass a $52 million bond package to fund, among other priorities, renovation and construction work at educational institutions throughout the state Not only do the appropriations benefit SUSC as an institution, they also represent a significant educational investment by the state. Utahs higher education institutions have in the past come away from the Legislature with less than they requested, less than the state Board of Regents recommended, and less than they needed; but at the conclusion of this years unusually rewarding session, SUSC received the bulk of its funding priorities. Last nights news is an obvious plus for SUSC, as it gives the for several beneficial campus improvements. Perhaps more important, though, passage of the bond package and other educational appropriations indicates a newfound commitment to education from the states lawmakers. Its been argued that Utahs future depends on the education of its burgeoning youth population, and the state has been criticized for apparent ignorance of this fact in the past. The concern grew to record proportions when the tax initiatives threatened the states entire education system in the fall. Their sound defeat was reassuring, but it left many wondering if the states citizenry was ready to support increased educational spending. The outcome of the 1989 session bodes well for the educational future of the state and SUSC. Specifically, the Legislatures appropriation will make SUSCs Academic Service Center a reality. The facility, which will occupy SUSCs old student center as soon as renovations are complete, will allow the campus to host larger conventions and conferences. The exposure will benefit the college while a renovated Great Hall with acoustic improvements will directly benefit SUSCs current students. Perhaps the most important legislation, though, is that calling for a 3 percent increase in faculty and staff salaries. The wage hike was one of the administrations top priorities, and lawmakers passage of the minimal request will prevent the gap between Utahs salaries and those available in other states from widening. As the legislative dust settles, The Thunderbird lauds SUSCs liaisons at the State Capitol and particularly Vice President for College Relations Michael D. Richards for their work in keeping SUSC at the forefront of our legislators minds. The rewards for their work will be evidenced here in the very near future. And SUSCs growth as an institution will be only a small part of the benefits the state will realize for its wise investment in the future. go-ahea- d t i r sec Youvt m VOLUME 83, NUMBER 27 Editor Nicole Bonham Associate Editor Lynn Holt Photo Editor Rich Engleman On Campus Editor Carrie Martinez Copy Editor Anne McCloskey Arts &. Leisure Editor Gary Ziegler Sports & Outdoors Editor Brent Richey Production Manager Lynn Dennett Senior Staff Writers Jodi Reinard Rachel Talbot Ad Representative Michelle Jensen Faculty Adviser Larry Baker The Thunderbird is published each Monday and Thursday of the academic year by and for the student body of Southern Utah State College and is not affiliated in any way with the Colleges department of communication. The views and opinions expressed in The Thunderbird are the opinions of the publication's individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the institution, faculty, staff or student body in general. The unsigned editorial directly above is the opinion of The Thunderbird as a single entity. Letters to the editor must be typed and include the name and phone number. Only the name will be printed. Names will not be withheld under any circumstances and the editor reserves editing privileges. Letters must be submitted by noon Fridays for Monday editions; 5 p.m. Tuesdays for Thursday editions. The Thunderbird: editorial and advertising offices in SUSC Library 103. Mail at SUSC Box or 9384, Cedar City, UT 84720. Phone (801) 586-775- 586-775- 8 586-775- me CAUptme- - Access SUSC has much to take pride in the unsurpassed qualities this institution possesses. the campus community may address themselves to topics Anyone who passes judgement based on their of concern andor interest. This weeks column is by Jason assumed attitude, current health, or how the weather seems to affect them on a particular day is a very Giles, a junior communication major at SUSC. shallow and opinionated person and terribly hard What ever happened to working with what youve ' to stomach. As much as I would like to deny it, Im got? Since I began attending SUSC, most of what Ive afraid we have more than our fair share of these types read, heard or saw is how SUSC could be a roaming throughout SUSC. For those of you who just nobody somebody institution if only we had more money, cant seem to adapt to this a bigger library, more PC labs, better parking, lenient institution there is an answer. Its the open-doosecurity officers, more cheerleading uniforms and trips, theory, and its applicable during any of lifes uneasy more clubs to make use of excess funds which are situations. If you are one of the affected and its all being allocated left and right and all the other stuff that bad here then get out! But if you plan to stay, make do with what SUSC has to offer. real colleges have. I read It must not be all that bad, because most of us are talk Almost every time to another student or an issue of The Thunderbird, Im left with the tacit still here; and most will surprisingly show up again impression that SUSC and its constituents feel they are being picked on and if something isnt done, 'SUSC is a fine institution. So changed, or given to us soon, the college and its reputation will plunder. I would hate to hear how an stop all the pessimistic griping SUSC affiliate talks to another person about his and start contributing . college or see an issue of The Thunderbird get into the hands of prospective students. I think we, the students who comprise SUSC, should consciously make an effort to upgrade our own institution in the eyes of this fall. I think the reasons for that you can answer ourselves, our peers and our acquaintances. yourself. None of us are all that eager to get out, so These poor attitudinal and verbal expressions we must enjoy what SUSC is already offering. Im not saying SUSC doesnt need changes and stagnate SUSCs work to obtain that positive image. Instead of crying out for somebody else to do improvements. Everything and everyone needs these something about this negative place were in, things, but patience and a lenient optimistic outlook why not try and expound on the (many) positive make anything bearable. Im guilty of the attributes this college already has? bellyaching and negative accusations myself. But I Ill be the first to admit that SUSC is not in a prime realize my previous perceptions and comments were geographical location, but is it in the worst? So you clearly wrong. SUSC is a fine institution, even with what we have have to walk a few extra feet to class because you cant now; just think what the future will bring. So stop park right next to the classroom door, and this causes all the pessimistic griping and start contributing to a little inconvenience. But once you get to class, take will a look at how you fit. How many professors can you your institution; because I dare say none of you call upon because you simply misunderstood a be ashamed to tell your children where you were problem or concept? Yet, some of us fail to identify educated. Access is a recurring column through which members of so-call- ed r' . The Thunderbird t so-call- |