Letter to the Editor: Rauner at commencement a slap in the face

Daily Egyptian Editor,

A collegiate graduation ceremony symbolizes so many different things to so many different people. To me, it symbolizes achievement, perseverance, dedication, and a future. With such a strong association of success, this ceremony encapsulates a plethora of different emotions. It only seems right to have a wholeheartedly, uplifting, dedicated, and wise speaker to send us graduates into our future pursuits.

With disappointment, I inform you that SIU has chosen this person to be Governor Rauner. His propositions to splice educational funding state-wide to “trim-the-fat”, has landed him on the stage of yours and mine, the graduation ceremony for the class of 2015. I don’t know about you, but I find this to be a slap in the face to the students, staff, faculty, and even the residents of the City of Carbondale. Actions speak louder than words and for that Governor Rauner’s words will mean virtually nothing to me on that day, if I choose to even walk across that stage.

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If this decision is merely an affect of budget cuts, I say shame on you SIU. I can think of numerous students, faculty, and staff on this campus that would gladly commence the Class of 2015’s achievements, with an actionable passion for higher education. Do you feel SIU provided their due diligence to its students when choosing Governor Rauner to step in to do the honors?

Cody Dees

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