Government, UM system officials gather

By Michael Sewall

Published March 16, 2007

Some of the most important people in the state gathered in the Capitol rotunda Wednesday to honor outgoing UM system president Elson Floyd, propose higher education funding increases and showcase accomplishments and projects being conducted by MU.

Gov. Matt Blunt opened the 33rd Annual UM system Legislative Day and discussed higher education and his plans to increase funding by $110 million over three years.

"We can make it easier for Missourians to go to college," Blunt said.

Blunt spoke about improvements to higher education funding. He proposed a $72.5 million increase in need-based scholarships before discussing the much-debated proposal to sell assets of the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority.

"We have a unique opportunity to team up with MOHELA," Blunt said. "We want to keep the best and brightest here."

Blunt said the higher education leaders in the state have been in the thick of discussions about the MOHELA sale.

"No leader has been more supportive and done more than Elson Floyd," Blunt said. "He has continued to keep a presence in the Capitol."

Blunt presented Floyd with a "proclamation" to acknowledge his support of the Missouri General Assembly and higher education advancements.

The minority leaders of the House and Senate also presented Floyd with resolutions the respective chambers passed in Floyd's honor.

Sen. Maida Coleman, D-St. Louis, spoke on behalf of the Senate.

"We are proud and privileged so many people want to be here for Elson Floyd and wish him well," Coleman said. "The people of this state have had the great fortune to experience his solid leadership, and he will be missed."

Minority Leader Rep. Jeff Harris, D-Columbia, said Legislation Day has always been one of his favorite days at the Capitol.

"Today, I'm not just a part of the Democratic party," Harris said. "I'm part of the University of Missouri party."

During the ceremony, Floyd took the podium and addressed the importance of the Alumni Association and the Missouri Extension Program.

"It was the solid foundation that was laid by the alumni that helped the University of Missouri," Floyd said. "We are in debt for what you do."

Many members in the crowd were involved with the Alumni Association and the Extension Program, an outreach program to rural areas in the state.

Floyd said it is important to connect with residents from all over the state of Missouri, not just within the UM system.

"There are those that will never travel to Columbia, Rolla, Kansas City or St. Louis," he said. "But those in the extension program are making a difference."

After Floyd's speech, members of different groups and organizations within the UM system presented ideas and projects to legislators and other staff members at the Capitol.

UM Extension Associate President Randall Saner said the extension program was represented at Legislation Day so people could see things it does out in the state.

"It gives the legislators an idea of what we're doing and what we want to do," he said.