Lunch with the President

Since his appointment as Utah State University’s president, Stan L. Albrecht has made a point of meeting with students. In fact, his first meeting on the job was with a student group. To increase dialogue and continue this contact, Albrecht established a “Lunch with the President” program this year, where he meets with a variety of student groups for lunch and conversation. First Lady Joyce Albrecht also attends, and usually adds a personal touch by bringing a tray of home-baked brownies. Often getting up at 5:30 a.m. to bake the treats, she has provided 35 trays of brownies to student groups across campus.

The president’s February lunch meeting was held with members of the Greek Council and officers of USU’s fraternities and sororities. While President Albrecht was called out of town on legislative business, Joyce Albrecht attended (with her signature brownies). The president was represented by Executive Vice President and Provost Ray Coward. Vice President for Student Services Juan Franco welcomed the Greek leaders and moderated the conversation.

 

Franco told the students that President Albrecht had been called to Salt Lake City because legislation to increase the number of out-of-state tuition waivers was moving into discussion in the Senate committee.

 

“This proposed legislation is at a critical point, and the president needed to be on hand,” Franco said. “We have made concerted efforts to reconnect with students in Idaho — students who want to attended Utah State University but who have difficulty with the out-of-state tuition. If this legislation passes early, we can get the word out to these prospective students.”

 

The lunch discussion was a mixture of questions, answers and comments from both the students  and the administrators who attended. Provost Coward welcomed the group.

 

“I understand the importance of a vital Greek system on a university campus,” he said. “It adds to the quality of campus life. I look forward to learning more about your program and what is on your minds.”

 

Franco told the group he would like to see the Greek system grow on campus. Greek representatives said they would like to see an increased involvement with ASUSU and its activities.

 

Joyce Albrecht asked many of the students about their experiences at USU and what brought them to campus. Answers ranged from the strength of USU’s College of Education, to the diversity of the international student population to the advantages of living in a “college town.”