University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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fon After five memorable years with the University, t Lee C. Bollinger announces his decision f I L.-Jl acce Pt e presidency at Columbia Mmvjmity, f leaving Ann Arbor for New York mid-year I farewell LeeC. Bollinger was named the 12th president of the Univer- sity in November 1 996. He ended his esteemed career at the University in December, succeeded by interim President B. Joseph White. Throughout his presidency, Bollinger was well known for his close connection with the University students and the relationship he created between the University and the city of Ann Arbor. From the yearly tradition of his Fun Run through Nichols Arboretum to the victory party in his house after Michigan ' s 1 997 football triumph over Penn State, from the Students of Color Coalition ' s 36-day take over of the Union tower in 2000 to the ongoing admissions lawsuits, Bellinger ' s presidency at the University was one of positive social growth and change amid a socially shifting nation of the 21st century. Students ' reactions to Bellinger ' s departure were primarily a combination of surprise, sadness and understanding. He was a president admired by many of the students, one that senior English major Matthew Borushko felt improved the University: He proved a dedicated patron of the arts and humanities and I was continually impressed by his belief in the public university ' s role at the forefront of American society. In general, seniors seemed most affected by the news that President Bollinger would not be finishing out the school year. Senior political science major Carrie Petroff remarked, It will be sad to see him go. Although he must move on, as a senior I was disappointed that he couldn ' t even finish out the year. For seniors, thecommencement won ' t beas meaningful with a president who hardly knows ourclass. Although it was understandable that President Bollinger wanted to leave to serve as president for his alma mater, senior English major Ramji Kaul was also discouraged by his premature departure in the midst of the ongoing events on campus. He com- mented, With the pending lawsuits against the University and his extensive legal experience, it would have been nice to see him lead the school through its trial. But with all the great things he has done at this school it is obvious to see why Columbia is so interested in him. Regardless of the mixed feelings left in the wake of his unanticipated step down from his presidency at the Univer- sity, University students and faculty bid the President a fond farewell. By Tiffany Marsch if ijL S!S jfl I On September 16, a week after the September 1 1 tragedy, President LeeC. Bollinger welcomes students to his house to gather as a commu- nity. Bollinger made it his personal duty to bring the students and Ann Arbor together; his interaction with the University and the community was one of the legacies he left be- hind, photo by Liz Maiicf: While Lee C. Bollinger is most well known for his status as University president, being involved with the University is only one of his many accomplishments. Father of two, husband to Jean Bollinger, gradu- ate of Columbia University with a law degree and an advocate of free speech, Bollinger used all aspects of his life as a means to serve the University, photo by Liz Maui-k 94 | President Bollinger

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VOTCRS BY LIZ MAUCK Being students at the University gave us the opportunity to be much more than simply students. We were activists, we were musicians, and we cared about issues that affected Ann Arbor as a whole, rather than just the Univer- sity. On balmy days and during house parties we spent hours simply hanging out on the porch with friends. Through student organizations, student gov- ernment, and special interest groups we had the unique opportunity to voice our views and opinions in an open-minded environment. Joining a band gave a few of us the thrilling opportunity to live out a dream and become rock stars. In the wake of the events of the year, students took a closer look at their belief systems and their faith. By understanding the root of the homelessness problem in Ann Arbor, we were able to overcome stereotypes and be more accepting of the less fortunate. Ann Arbor and the University opened up many doors for us. One of the most important being the door that led to expressing our- selves. 96 I Voices