President George W. Bush vowed to restore honor and dignity to the White House following Bill Clinton's turbulent presidency. Outgoing Undergraduate Student Government President Michael Perry had a similar priority for USG.
Perry, a junior in aviation flight/aviation technologies, came into the presidency with a singular vision: to restore integrity to the problem-filled student governing body. A virtual unknown a year ago, Perry has done much to accomplish that goal. However, he did little to distinguish himself as the dynamic leader USG has needed for some time.
It is not as if we were expecting Perry to come in and turn the organization upside down and inside out, nor did he promise such lofty expectations. Perry was a solid manager, which is what USG probably needed at the time of his election, and his presidency had its moments.
Under Perry's leadership, USG saw an increase in attendance at its Senate meetings. Perry was able to establish better working relations with the administration and among senators. Previous presidents have operated in what can be described as a "shadow presidency" - show up at meetings, return the obligatory phone call to the Daily Egyptian, but nothing more.
Perry made a consorted effort to reach out to students, including minorities, which should be applauded. And you are hard pressed to find anyone who says Perry has not conducted himself with dignity and professionalism as USG president.
Highlights of Perry's tenure:
Sept. 4, 2001 - conducts initial meeting with area landlords to discuss formation of a Tenant Union. The union would advise students on housing matters.
Oct. 3, 2001 - Perry vetoes amendment to lower the GPA for USG participation from 2.25 to 2.0. Senate overturns veto in a 25 to 10 vote.
Dec. 2001 - Perry announces recruitment drive following passage of USG amendment to increase number of senate seats from 41 to 58.
Dec. 15. 2001 - leads prayer at two fall graduation ceremonies.
Feb. 5, 2002 - presents findings conducted by USG to the Carbondale City Council concerning minorities not feeling welcome in the city and at local businesses. Asks city to "do all it can" to bring in businesses targeting minority interests.
March, 2002 - launches 21-page tenant guide, offering students off-campus housing information. Booklet spearheaded by both Perry and USG housing commissioner and USG presidential candidate Marty Obst.
March 27, 2002 - Perry and senators voice opposition to Chancellor Wendler's 18 percent tuition increase at a USG meeting.
Perry has done a lot in a year, much of it positive and productive, including the tenant guide and tenant union initiatives. We should note that Marty Obst, who we endorsed for USG president, also worked to make those initiatives a reality. Still, all was not smooth sailing for Perry.
His and Wendler's failure to properly notify campus constituents in their quest to have prayer at graduation ceremonies resulted in staunch opposition from various groups on campus and from the community. Though USG meeting attendance was slightly better during his tenure, nine senate seats remained unfilled at the end of the fall semester.
Registered Student Organization funding, a problem plaguing previous presidents, still suffered from late and mismanaged filings. And Perry's level of professionalism did not always rub off on USG senators. Wendler's appearance at the March 27 USG meeting - where he formally presented his proposal for the tuition increase to the organization - was met with childish and inappropriate behavior by some senators.
Perry is truly a gentlemen who succeeded in bringing USG further out of its doldrums than probably was expected. He has earned the respect of USG officials and from the administration and faculty. His legacy, it is fair to say, will be a positive one. But it will take a USG president with a forceful presence and dogged perseverance to correct USG's tendency toward mediocrity. Perry, though productive, was just not that kind of leader.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
