Speech Story

Outline:

What speech covered in lede

Basics about the speech - where was it, when, what for

What did Elson Floyd speak about

What was the reaction from the audience

What can we look forward too

WSU President Elson S. Floyd spoke to the Pullman Kiwanis and other members of the community on Thursday, Dec. 3, about the recent budget cuts facing the university and how he plans to continue to help the school grow and flourish.

Floyd spoke to a crowd of roughly 150 people at the Gladish Community Center, and made it his point to emphasize the importance of community involvement. During these tough economic times Floyd understands the importance of community support.

“This is a community and we are going to do it together,” Floyd said. “You made an investment in our university by paying taxes and attending football games. We want to make sure your investment was worthwhile.”

This past year, Floyd was forced to cut the school budget by $54 million, which was by far the biggest budget cut in school history. Floyd emphasized that the economic struggle was not over, and that there is more trouble on the horizon.

“Christine [Gregiore] has told me they plan to cut higher education by $99 million,” said Floyd. “She happens to have a very different view from me on how that money should be distributed.”

Floyd, who was hired three years ago, has admittedly had a tough stretch and he has been forced to make tough decisions.

“In the midst of everything we had to make some very painful decisions,” Floyd said. “We have had to cut the theater and dance programs because these particular programs do not receive the funding they need to compete.”

Local citizens and students in attendance trust Floyd, and expect him to make the right decisions when the time comes.

“I have full confidence in what Mr. Floyd does,” said Johannes Petrusson, a junior at WSU who regularly volunteers with Pullman Kiwanis. “When the government is cutting our budget so significantly, some programs will unfortunately take the grunt of the cutback. There’s only so much he can do.”

With the financial crisis in mind, Floyd has started taking steps to improve branch campuses that are directly associated with Washington State University.

WSU Spokane will alter its programs and focus completely on health science, eventually transforming into a four-year degree program Floyd explained.

Like the Spokane campus, WSU Tri-cities and Vancouver will also refocus their research emphasis. The Tri-City campus will shift focus to bio-fuel technology as well as efficient energy, and the Vancouver campus will move towards technological research.

“We are taking some of the programs that we can no longer afford to have at the Pullman campus and moving them elsewhere,” Floyd said.

William Dornes, a junior who volunteered for the Kiwanis at home football games, is saddened to see the budget cuts but believes Floyd is doing his best to compensate.

“I understand that these are tough times and that President Floyd has to do what is right for the direction of the university,” Dornes said. “It is great to see him take time out of his busy schedule to get back to the community and let us know what’s going on.”

Steven Wilkerson, a senior at WSU, worked with Kiwanis and Elson Floyd last year to raise over $2,000 for charity. He believes one reason WSU has survived the recent budget cuts is because of the culture that comes along with a Washington State University education.

“They say ‘once a Coug, always a Coug,’ and I think this mindset has helped get us through the tough times,” Wilkerson said. “Elson realizes this, and has made an effort to reach out to the community that continues to support the university in hard times.”

Floyd’s goal was to offer a sense of hope for not just the Pullman Kiwanis, but to all members of the community.

“You’re looking at one university President who is extremely grateful for what you do,” Floyd said. “We cannot do it alone, we are going to need your help.”

Sources

Johannes Petrusson – 425 – 301 – 0089

William Dornes - 206 - 817 - 3686

Steven Wilkerson – 360 – 391 - 5731

Questions:

-How is WSU dealing with budget cuts during the struggling economy?

-Was last years budget cuts a one time thing or can we look for more cuts in the future?

-What do the Kiwanis mean to the community and Washington State University?