[NU Sports] Pres. Bienen to retire in 2009

[NEONRye at aol.com]

President Bienen will be missed and will be hard to replace.  While  some 
decisions he made (such as replacing long-time Dean of Speech School (whose  name 
currently escapes me) were controversial, I don't think anyone could argue  
that the University's overall reputation--academically and athletically--has  
grown substantially in the years of his tenure as President.  Having seen  the 
man at Continental Arena in the Meadowlands in New Jersey when we played  
Seton Hall there a few years ago I can attest to his passion and support for  NU's 
sports programs.  And his "down to earth" persona when my son and  I bumped 
into him in the Mens Room at halftime. 
 
I think that his graceful exit, giving the School ample time to find a  
replacement and set up an orderly transition, speaks volumes about his love for  
the institution and his devotion to its enhancement.  I hope that everyone  on 
this list recognizes his contributions.  
 
Those of us who lived through the era of Rocky Miller as Chancellor and Bob  
Strotz as President know how profound can be the damage wrought by  
backward-looking administrators, damage to the athletic program, and to the  morale of 
the student body and faculty.  I remember in the early  '70's--a difficult 
time, to be sure, in many ways--thinking that we had an  administration that 
didn't care at all what we felt or had to say.  I doubt  that today's student body 
feels the same way.   We used to say that NU  didn't have an identity--we used 
to wonder what was it about Northwestern that  was unique and at its 
core--thankfully, that doesn't seem to be the case any  more.
 
I think that the Board of Trustees will have some large shoes to fill, but  I 
am hopeful that President Bienen's success and prominence will make this a  
sought-after position, with outstanding applicants.
 
Paul Levinson



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