Morehead State University - Raconteur Yearbook (Morehead, KY)

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176 Why Johnny canWread 4,900 students from Kentucky colleges marched on Frankfort's Capitol Building F eb. 16 to protest Gov. Wallace Wilkinsons budget proposal. Students from Morehead carried signs and balloons to support higher education. PHOTO BY: Kevin L. Goldy In a style reminiscent of a political convention, complete with banners, bal- loons and streamers, the 1988 Rally for Higher Education in Kentucky com- menced. Although the rally is an annual event, this year it held special signifi- cance. About 4,900 students, representing all of Kentuckyis colleges and its eight state universities, traveled to Frankfort on Tuesday, February 16. Approxi- mately 450 of these students were from our university. The purpose ofthe demonstrators was to show their disapproval of Governor Wallace Wilkinsonis 1988-1990 budget proposal, which includes only a .5072; in- crease for higher education. Experts have projected that colleges will not have suflicient funds to cover inflation without a larger appropriations increase during those two years. The rally was preceded by a parade through downtown Frankfort, high- lighted by speeches from such digni- taries as former University President A. D. Albright. Many students carried plac- ards conveying the message, iiEducation cuts never healf, which was the rally,s slogan. Prior to the rally the Universityis cam- pus was buzzing with excitement. Con- tests were held for the best banner and for prominently displayed bumper stickers. Campus organizations were of- fered prize money for taking the largest showing to the rally. The symphony band prepared two selections from its winter concert to perform for the rally participants. Student Government Association president Steve Strathmann, whose or- ganization planned the trip to Frankfort, had much to say about the students par- ticipating in the rally. 1 was very proud ofthe way we went as a unit, came back as a unit and were prepared to sacrifice as a unit. The rally was a very progressive moment, not only for Kentucky, but also for M.S.U. I ran for S.G.A. president because Iwanted to help unite students and faculty. On February 16 I think we made a lot of ' progress in that direction? said Strath- mann. Strathmann said that he was not the only person at the rally who was im- pressed with the Universityis showing. TI overheard two legislators talking about us, he said. itOne told me that we outnumbered all other school,s show- ings two to one, and another said he

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Television evangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker said farewell to the PTL ministry in March. Jim Bakker resigned after confessing to a sexual encounter with a young woman. Tammy Baker bowed out of the broadcasts to undergo treatment for drug dependency. AP PHOTO In an effort to keep the Persian Gulf open to navi- gation, the U.S. began in July to escort vessels to protect them from Iran. In September the U.S. Navy blew up an Iranian ship that was caught laying mines in the Gulf. Several mines were con- fiscated, AP PHOTO President and Mrs. Reagan greeted Pope Paul II when he arrived in Miami to begin a nine-city tour 0fthe U.S. AP PHOTO World Events 175

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,1 mgunohljll! mcx m I stun: NM! SALE, L r s a . Higherggasm would vote to support M.S.U.,s budget any day. Its a really big plus when con- gressmen and senators are behind you? Apparently not all politicians in Ken- tucky were as supportive of higher edu- cation as these, however. In an official statement Governor Wilkinson said: We simply are unable to find any addi- tional money. If they tthe student demonstratorsl can find it, we would be greatly indebted to them. Dr. John C. Phillley, dean of the col- lege of arts and sciences, was one of the many administrators present at the rally. Before the indoor portion at Dud- geon Civic Center Arena, he com- mented about the University,s dire need for funding. iiWe desperately need to hire more faculty, he stressed. uWe need to do that now; we canit wait to find out how much of a budget increase we will be getting. Philley went on to say that salary increments were essential in view of the small amount of increase in the past few years. Students are also aware of the dire need for a budget increase. Rachel Wann, a sophomore music composition major from Indiana- polis, said, If it werenit for finan- cial aid I could not come to college. . These days you can,t get anywhere with- out a college education. Some students were far more vocal in their views of the governofs budget. iiDidnit Wilkinson say in his campaign that the foundation of Kentucky is its education system? To prove his point he cut university funding, said Lawrence Cardwell, 3 Cincinnati sophomore ma- joring in accounting. The rally provided several schools time to showcase their talent. The Uni- versity of Louisville, Murray State, Western Kentucky, Morehead State, Kentucky State, University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky, Northern Kentucky and Berea showed offbands, Cheerlead- ers, mascots and dancers. Afterwards some speakers were given the opportu- nity to voice their opinions. U.K graduate Stanley Chauvin, a Louisville attorney and president-elect of the American Bar Association, spoke on behalf of Kentuckyts alumni and par- ents. 0A dollar spent on higher educa- tion in Kentucky will reap far more than money spent to further industry? he de- clared. iiWe should refuse to turn off the lights on labs which are finding cures to A.I.D.S. and Alzheimefs disease? The next speaker was Dr. Beverly Davenport-Sypher, a W.K.U. graduate who is a communications professor at the University of Kentucky. She com- mented, iiBeing underfunded hurts, but being underappreciated is demoraliz- ing. If quality is not appreciated, we will not flourish as a state? Representing Kentuckyis 120,000 college students was Sally McKenney, a The students stopped in front ofthe Capitol Build- ing to listen to speakers, including former MSU president, AD. Albright. School spirit was riding high during the entire day. PHOTO BY: Kevin L Goldy Murray State junior majoring in lan- guages. She spoke for most. students when she stated, iiIf our leaders can,t remember the joy oflearning, they have forgotten something wonderful. McKenney went on to say that education was not a matter of special interest, but rather a matter of public interest. Making a surprise appearance during performances by university music ensembles was Wilkinson himself. Wilkinson caused a disturbance in the back 0fthe auditorium during the musi- cal selections, holding what appeared to be a private press conference. He left, however, before the speakers, presentations. Robert Bell, the chairman of the Advocates for Higher Education, brought this fact to the attention of rally participants. Bell began his Closing remarks by stating that if a number of people had not left be- fore hearing the speakers, they would probably be in better posi- tions to govern the state. iiWhere I came from it was good manners to stay seated while a group was performing? he said, and past governors Iive worked for could get their own crowds? In spite of Wilkinson,s lack of support for the universities, many Morehead students still considered the rally a success. uThe students did not back down when they met with the legislatorsfi Strathmann said. iiI think the spirit we showed at the rally is indicative of the Together we cani slogan adopted by President Grote at the beginning of the year. It is a credit to our institution that we were heard by leaders of the state. - BY: Karen Craigo . Higher Ed Rally 177