The Chairman of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, speaking to the Charlotte Rotary Club, tried to put a positive spin on the system's failure to get the General Assembly to pass a $3 billion bond package that wouldn't require voter approval, but it was difficult for him to keep the disappointment from his remarks.
     Ben Ruffin of Winston-Salem said the universities' needs are defensible and necessary to keep up with the expected 50,000 new students who will be coming to the state schools between now and the year 2008. "Our needs are without a doubt legitimate," he said.
     "There should be a vote of the folk. In the next several months we will come up with a plan to protect the university system," the Durham native continued. "The university is like a homeowner. When the roof needs fixing or other upkeep is necessary, the homeowner can't always pay as you go. You must borrow to protect your investment.
     "This is a great university system. The kind of education it provides our students is unbelievable," the North Carolina Central University graduate said. "If our state's economy is to remain strong, it's our strong educational institutional system that sets us apart.
     He said when businesses consider the state for relocation or new facilities, they look at the education system as a place to get new workers, the current workers retrained and "as a place for their own children to get an education."
     The University system suffered a blow in the closing days of the legislature, when the House failed to pass a $3 billion bond issue that would not have required a vote.
     Ruffin said University officials felt the urgency of the needs would justify there not being a statewide vote. Also, he said, the quicker the monies were spent the more it would save taxpayers because the repairs the bonds would have covered will be more expensive to repair in the future.
     The bonds would have been special-obligation or limited-obligation that did not need voter approval.
     The system had, at the General Assembly's direction, conducted ,in the past two years a study of 10-year capital spending needs. The total came to nearly $7 billion.
     After the list was pared down, it was still hefty. UNC Charlotte would have received the third highest amount following campuses in Chapel Hill and Raleigh, the flagship institutions.
     Ruffin had high praise-for Chancellor Jim Woodward who introduced the chairman to Charlotte Rotary. The R. J.Reynolds executive said "UNC Charlotte, is indeed fortunate to have Jim Woodward. It is really remarkable what has transpired at the university under his leadership, particularly the growth from 11,000 to 17,000 students." Ruffin also said he was impressed with the business-education partnerships that Woodward has forged.
     Also at the meeting Michael W. Wilkinson, president of The Ray Company, Inc., was introduced as a new member by Herb Harriss. His classification is Construction, Roofing & Exterior.
     President Worth, resplendent in a navy blazer with an embroidered Rotary, wheel, made a call for project ideas — large in scope — that may become the focus of collaboration among the 12 Rotary Clubs in Mecklenburg County. "We're looking for something to make an impact," he said.
     Rick Cannada gave the Health and Happiness report, recalling in particular two lessons his late Uncle Ray had learned while farming: don't beat a big bull with a stick and don't turn your back on a big bull.
     Jim Evans introduced guests and visitors and John Lassiter gave the invocation.

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New Member

WILLIAM   EARL COLLINS

Joined 1980 Rejoined 1999

S. B. Phillips Company
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Ste. 527 (28217)
523-6505
FAX 523-7115

     William E. (Buddy) Collins is an Executive Search Consultant with the S. B. Phillips Company. He is a twenty-five year resident of Charlotte, and a previous member of our club as Administrator of the Orthopaedic Hospital of Charlotte (Presbyterian Orthopaedic).

     Welcome to Charlotte Rotary, Buddy.

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ACT WITH
CONSISTENCY
CREDIBILITY
CONTINUITY

R.I. President Carlo Ravizza
Theme for 1999-2000

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DID YOU KNOW?

     Remember, you have 13 days BEFORE or AFTER a missed meeting in your own Club to MAKE UP, but PLEASE, send your make-up cards to the Rotary Office or take to Computer Check-In within 48 hours to avoid a member of the Attendance Committee giving you a call to remind you that you have NEED of a make-up.

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