THE VISTA
September 3, 1987 Vol. 86, No. 3
Thursday Edition
Central State University, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nigh initiates state government institute By Susan Green Editor
Former Governor George Nigh and CSU President Dr. Bill Lillard announced Wednesday, the establishment of the Nigh Institute of State Government. Prior to a press conference at the State Capitol, a luncheon and reception were held on campus to inform campus leaders and faculty of this program. Nigh, who presently serves as the Statesman-in-Residence at CSU has been involved in state government since 1950, with his most recent involvement, Governor of the state of Oklahoma for eight years. He said the purpose of the Institute will be to inform students on Oklahoma's relationship with Washington and how to make the relationship prosper. Nigh said he felt state and local goverments have a more direct impact on daily lives than the federal government. "When you stop to consider the really basic needs in our lives, roads to travel, water to drink, jobs for workers and schools to educate our kids, these are functions of state government, " Nigh said. In his plans for emphasizing state government, Nigh said one effort would be his presence on campus. Nigh will be moving his office from downtown OKC to a permanent location on the fourth floor of the University Center. He will be paying a portion of the rent and installing his own phone lines, as not to interfere with other university operations. To further emphasize his presence, Nigh has been given the flags, desk and chair that he used at the Capitol, which he in turn gave to Central State. His office will be a replica of the office he had while serving as governor.
Outside his office, in the corridor, will be his collection of Western Art. Nigh hopes to have artists come in and explain how state government and art are related. Another goal of the Institute will be to educate and inform. The Institute will develop coursework for CSU students, hold seminars and workshops for all ages from school children to community leaders and a recognized speaker in the field of state government will be brought in four times a year. Nigh said he also hopes to work with International students, especially those who don't understand the state and federal government's relationship to Oklahoma.
"When you stop to consider the really basic needs in our lives, roads to travel, water to drink, jobs for workers, schools to educate our kids, these are all functions of state government." In correlation with the Institute, Nigh wants to develop a memorabilia room, which will include official papers of former governors and state officials, the gavel from Alfalfa BillHitchcock, the original Oklahoma flag and other things that reflect the state government of Oklahoma. Nigh said he hopes in the future it might attract tourists and possibly foreign visitors, for them
to see and understand more about Oklahoma. On Oct. 23, there will be fundraiser for the Institute on campus, with Governor Henry Bellmon and U.S. Senator David Boren serving as hosts. Nigh said this will be the largest gathering of political figures together in Oklahoma. Nigh said that CSU was chosen to house the Institute because of the university's proximity to the State Capitol and because of its long history of educating and serving the people of Oklahoma. "Why shouldn't we have an institute that better informs individuals of state governement? I strongly support the Energy Office at the University of Oklahoma and the Agriculture Department at the University of Oklahoma. Are they any more important?" Lillard asked. State Representative Gaylon Stacy said the Institute is the opportunity that will put CSU on the front steps. Sometimes, he said, the university goes on the back step of OU and OSU because of size. Lillard said he was extremely pleased that Nigh chose CSU for the location of the Institute. He said he felt it will be another facet of the educational opportunities CSU offers the government student. "As a former teacher and the man who served as governor longer than any man in Oklahoma, he is eminently qualified to head this Institute dedicated to the study of state government. Nigh said in his addition to his work at the Institute, he will continue to lecture in government classes and have student interviews on Tuesday and Wednesday of each week.
Photographic Services: Dan Smith
Statesman-in-Residence George Nigh, addresses campus leaders, on his intentions for the Nigh Institute of State Government. Nigh's goal for the Institute is to better inform students on the role of state government. Nigh's office will be located on the fourth floor of the University Center.
Communication gap What's Inside.. . Kaleidoscope director -pg. 4
University officials retirement claims rejected From Staff Reports
Part III of surveyPre-marital sex-pg. 5
Football preview-pg. 6-7
Student opens hotdog shop-pg. 8
Two CSU officials had retirement claims rejeceted, due to miscommunication between the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges and the office of State Finance, on who is to pay the lump sum contribution for early retirement. According to an artcle in the Aug. 30 Daily Oklahoman, the office of State Finance halted regents in their attempt to spend state funds for lump sum payments required of college officials wanting to retire early. "It's a requirement of law that any state official wanting to retire early, pay a $4,500 fee for their retirement," Lindsey Owsley, in-
terim vice president of administration said. State officials rejected their claims because the regents were acting on the old retirement law. A representative from the office of State Finance said the state's new early retirement law requires that the employee, not the institute pay the lump sum contribution. The regents were unaware of this change. Owsley said he feels this was a difference in the interpretation of the legislation on the part of both parties. Under the regents policy, state funds opportioned to colleges each year, could by used to cover
the additional contribution necessary for an eligible employee to take advantage of the states new retirement law. With the new retirement law, a sixth month window has been created for early retirement. Any employee seeking to retire in the last six months of 1987, may add as much as three years to his creditable years of service, by making a one time contribution to his state retirement system. Bellmon said he intends the retirement window to encourage some older and hirer paid state employees, teachers, professors and administrators to retire early. Owsley said it would depend on the situation of the individual, if
he is willing to retire early, now that the retiree is required to pay the lump sum. Bellmon said that any member of the retirement system can take advantage of early retirement July 1 through Jan. 1, 19 88, if members pays an additional contribution for as much as three years. With the maixmum $4,500 payment for new retirees, it could save colleges more than $250,000 in suppliemt retirement payments, if the retiree lives for 30 years after retirement. At this time, Owsley would not release the names of the CSU officials whose claims were rejected.