and a positive gesture.
Ohio University President Roderick McDavis' commitment to donate $10,000 each year for the next five years has triggered mixed reactions on campus with most praising the gesture.
Student Trustee Tracy Kelly said she thought the donation was a concession that many constituents have been seeking for a while and a positive gesture.
I hope it's an indication of an ongoing willingness to listen to the university community and respond to their needs she said.
McDavis announced the donation Thursday. The money will go to the Urban and Appalachian Scholars programs.
In making the commitment, McDavis joins other university presidents who have either declined compensation or donated portions of their salaries or bonuses to their respective institutions. Since July, at least 18 other presidents have made the gesture.
McDavis' financial commitment sends the right message to parts of the university and other potential donors, said C. Daniel DeLawder, chairman of the Board of Trustees.
DeLawder added he wanted to commend President McDavis on his leadership
and was delighted to see such a significant show of support for programs with proven success.
In early January, McDavis finalized a contract extension - six months after its announcement and amid controversy because McDavis had received the 29 percent ($85,000) raise since the summer.
Later in the month, Students for a Democratic Society introduced, but could not pass, a resolution in Student Senate urging McDavis to return his raise.
Will Klatt, cofounder of the Athens chapter of Students for a Democratic Society, said he thinks the donation is too little
too late
and a token gesture.
This is a PR stunt that few will buy
he said, adding It reminds me of the French revolution when the queen looked out her window and saw people marching
demanding bread and democracy
and she supposedly responded
'Let them eat cake.'
Student Senate President Michael Adeyanju said in an e-mail he thinks the donation was not spurred by public criticism, but because Dr. and Mrs. McDavis are caring and giving people.
I think the student body will appreciate the gift and look at it as the McDavis' investing in the university and the students
he said.
I've always liked President McDavis
