BOARD OF TRUSTEES ENDORSEMENTS
I have decided to weigh in on the upcoming election for the Board of Trustees of the Pennsylvania State University. Through May 12, 2005, alumni can vote online at escvote.com (requires login and password, found on mailing) or through their paper ballot that was sent to them.
This year, there are six candidates for three positions. They are Marianne Ellis Alexander (’62), H. Jesse Arnelle (’55 & ’62 JD)*, Mary Greeley Beahm (’81, ’87g)*, Ralph Mumma (’60g), and Joel N. Myers (’61, ’63g, ’71g)*. The three candidates identified with an * are incumbents.
While the all have impressive backgrounds and strong platforms, I endorse the following:
Marianne Alexander – She was president of the Alumni Association and founding president of the Penn State Professional Women’s Network of Washington D.C. Through my involvement with the Metro Washington Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association, I have seen firsthand her involvement. Alexander also pushers for more state funding. In short, she needs to be on the board.
Jess Arnelle – He might be one of the most impressive Penn State alumni ever. He was All-American in basketball, leading Penn State to the Final Four, honorable mention All-American in football, and student body president. He has been on the board since 1969 and was founded one of the top African American law firms in the country, Arnelle, Hastie, McGee, Willis and Greene. He was also president of the Board of Trustees. Lastly, this human juggernaut he has a great voice. They should have named the Robeson Center after him.
Joel Myers – He founded Accuweather. He gave Penn State a great weathervane for Beaver Stadium. He has been on the board for years. He gets the nod again.