There is a wealth of talent, passion and knowledge located inside this University. It's about time we recognize that.
The College of Applied Science and Arts went internally to one of its own students to create a terrace commemorating the 50th anniversary of the college as well as its first dean.
It's as good as anyone with a fancy title could have done, and what's best, it was created by our own.
Too often, the University hires outside help for things that we have the resources and manpower to do internally.
Not only do we save money by going internal, but the University is also allowing students a practical test to their classroom education.
If the University does not trust its own students to do some of its work then why is it handing out diplomas, and sending them out to be tomorrow's leaders? If the institution doesn't believe in the students, the very reason for its existence, then something is gravely wrong.
We're not saying that's always the case at SIUC, and granted, sometimes it is necessary to hire outside help from experts that have the time and resources to be competitive. Occasionally, though, it seems University officials send the message that the students here are good, but not good enough for them.
The students are good enough; they just need a chance to prove it.
There have been numerous occasions where students have lived up to this theory. Students in the College of Mass Communication created the series of crosswalk safety signs that are pasted around the University. The Public Policy Institute is relying on students for its campaign to decrease the number of college-age female smokers. We believe they are as good as any professional advertising agency could create. There are other examples, as well, of students doing work as good as any fancy consulting firm could do.
Students know what students want. And as they go about practicing those classroom skills in a real-life situation, it's likely they might unearth a little pride in this place too. The best way to generate loyalty to this University is by recognizing the talent of the students, faculty and employees at the core.
The College of Applied Science and Arts did just that.
Renee Prusacki was chosen from a design competition in an architecture class to build the terrace. Hers was selected out of about 25 others. Renee deserves recognition for her top-notch work. And while her design was chosen as the best, we believe any of the students in the class would have had the talent to not only get the job done, but also to do it well. We hope the terrace that marks the passing of 50 years for the College of Applied science and Arts and commemorates two distinguished faculty members - the late Earnest J. Simon who was the college's first dean and his wife, Mary, a retired English professor - will long stand as a testament to the capability of SIUC students.
There could be no better tribute to the pioneering Simon than knowing that the college that began under his leadership half a century ago continues to produce some of the best graduates in the nation.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
