Higher Education Partnership Volume 2 Issue 2 Feb/Mar 1998 In support of and working together with Alabama A & M Univ Alabama State Univ Univ of Alabama Univ of Ala at Bham Univ of Ala at Huntsville Auburn Univ Auburn Univ at Mtgy Jacksonville State Univ Univ.of Montevallo Univ of North Alabama Univ of South Alabama Troy State Univ Troy State Univ Dothan Troy State Univ Mtgy Univ of West Alabama  Inside this Issue A Long Way in a Year February/March Activities Call to Action Higher Education Partnership Restructures Board Surprise Guests	Partnership Update Higher Ed Rally - A Big Success
	The Higher Education Day Rally, held in Montgomery on March 5th and organized by the Higher Education Partnership, was a big success. It gave university students, faculty, staff, and alumni an opportunity to voice their desire for higher education to receive an 8% increase in the 1998-99 education budget. Over 500 supporters from Alabama’s four-year public universities packed the Archives Room at the State Capitol. Rally participants wore ribbons stating the theme: “Top Ten in Sports — Why Not in Funding?” Theme ribbons also graced the front of “message bags” which students gave to every representative and senator in the State House. Each bag included a card stating the desire of Partnership members to see an increase in funding.      According to Gordon Stone, Partnership Executive Director, the rally signaled to all Alabama political leaders that members of the Partnership are prepared to vote their convictions. Partnership members shouted loud approval when challenged by speakers to take the message “Straight to the State House!” Student members of the Partnership were greeted with enthusiastic cheers as they were congratulated for registering over 2,000 voters since November of 1997. Other messages receiving loud applause included increased funding for faculty and staff compensation and adequate funding that removes the pressure to continue increasing tuition.        Pep bands from Alabama State University and Troy State University gave the event a festive atmosphere, sparking enthusiasm among the attendees. Rousing presentations were given by scheduled speakers.	Speakers included Tom Walker, Assistant to the President at the University of Montevallo and Chairman of the Partnership Board of Directors; Kellee Reed, SGA President at the University of North Alabama and Chair of Alabama Student Association; Dr. Margaret Garner, Chair of University of Alabama Faculty Senate; Roland Vaughn, Chairman of Small Business Committee of the Business Council of Alabama, President of Sherlock, Smith and Adams Architectural and Engineering Firm and Board Member of U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Pete Turnham, Member of the House of Representatives; Dr. William Harris, President of Alabama State University and Chairman of the Council of University Presidents; and Gordon Stone.         Rally participants were surprised by the unexpected arrival of Governor Fob James and Lieutenant Governor Don Siegelman. Since both men are projected to be candidates for governor, their presentations provided participants a chance to hear each one’s vision for higher education over the next four years. As the rally concluded, energized faculty, staff and students were encouraged to continue to build their campus networks. Student groups from all 15 campuses were thanked for their successful work to “get out the vote.” In addition, specific Higher Education Week events at the University of Alabama, University of North Alabama, University of Montevallo, Troy State University and Jacksonville State University were singled out for their excellence.          For more information on how to support Alabama’s universities, call the Higher Education Partnership at 334/832-9911.
	P. O. Box 761, Montgomery, AL 36101-0761334-832-9911Fax 334-832-9995

Higher Education Partnership Volume 2 Issue 2 Feb/Mar 1998 In support of and working together with Alabama A & M Univ Alabama State Univ Univ of Alabama Univ of Ala at Bham Univ of Ala at Huntsville Auburn Univ Auburn Univ at Mtgy Jacksonville State Univ Univ.of Montevallo Univ of North Alabama Univ of South Alabama Troy State Univ Troy State Univ Dothan Troy State Univ Mtgy Univ of West Alabama  Inside this Issue A Long Way in a Year February/March Activities Call to Action Higher Education Partnership Restructures Board Recruit a Member Contest Surprise Guests	Partnership Update Higher Ed Rally - A Big Success
	The Higher Education Day Rally, held in Montgomery on March 5th and organized by the Higher Education Partnership, was a big success. It gave university students, faculty, staff, and alumni an opportunity to voice their desire for higher education to receive an 8% increase in the 1998-99 education budget. Over 500 supporters from Alabama’s four-year public universities packed the Archives Room at the State Capitol. Rally participants wore ribbons stating the theme: “Top Ten in Sports — Why Not in Funding?” Theme ribbons also graced the front of “message bags” which students gave to every representative and senator in the State House. Each bag included a card stating the desire of Partnership members to see an increase in funding.      According to Gordon Stone, Partnership Executive Director, the rally signaled to all Alabama political leaders that members of the Partnership are prepared to vote their convictions. Partnership members shouted loud approval when challenged by speakers to take the message “Straight to the State House!” Student members of the Partnership were greeted with enthusiastic cheers as they were congratulated for registering over 2,000 voters since November of 1997. Other messages receiving loud applause included increased funding for faculty and staff compensation and adequate funding that removes the pressure to continue increasing tuition.        Pep bands from Alabama State University and Troy State University gave the event a festive atmosphere, sparking enthusiasm among the attendees. Rousing presentations were given by scheduled speakers.	Speakers included Tom Walker, Assistant to the President at the University of Montevallo and Chairman of the Partnership Board of Directors; Kellee Reed, SGA President at the University of North Alabama and Chair of Alabama Student Association; Dr. Margaret Garner, Chair of University of Alabama Faculty Senate; Roland Vaughn, Chairman of Small Business Committee of the Business Council of Alabama, President of Sherlock, Smith and Adams Architectural and Engineering Firm and Board Member of U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Pete Turnham, Member of the House of Representatives; Dr. William Harris, President of Alabama State University and Chairman of the Council of University Presidents; and Gordon Stone.         Rally participants were surprised by the unexpected arrival of Governor Fob James and Lieutenant Governor Don Siegelman. Since both men are projected to be candidates for governor, their presentations provided participants a chance to hear each one’s vision for higher education over the next four years. As the rally concluded, energized faculty, staff and students were encouraged to continue to build their campus networks. Student groups from all 15 campuses were thanked for their successful work to “get out the vote.” In addition, specific Higher Education Week events at the University of Alabama, University of North Alabama, University of Montevallo, Troy State University and Jacksonville State University were singled out for their excellence.          For more information on how to support Alabama’s universities, call the Higher Education Partnership at 334/832-9911.
	P. O. Box 761, Montgomery, AL 36101-0761334-832-9911Fax 334-832-9995