Jaqua Center repairs
Repairs to the wood floor of the John E. Jaqua Center, which was damaged over the summer by a leaky water fountain, began after months of planning. The wood for the floor cost $28,875, and the custom engraving of the names of academic all-Americans cost another $45,460. Installation ran at $47,312, making for a total repair cost of $121,647.@@in following link@@
Berdahl appointed as interim president
In a special meeting, the State Board of Higher Education unanimously appointed Robert Berdahl as interim University president. Members of the board deliberated on Berdahl’s candidacy, each having comments on how they felt he would successfully fulfill the duties of interim president. In a letter to students and faculty, Berdahl stated that he is determined to carry forward the agenda set by Richard Lariviere.
Lariviere’s last day
Former president Richard Lariviere completed his last day at the University, vacating his office in Johnson Hall. Lariviere was terminated from his position in late November after a prolonged struggle with the State Board of Higher Education over the University’s level of independence in the Oregon University System.
Berdahl’s first day
Robert Berdahl’s began his first day as Interim President on December 29th@@http://president.uoregon.edu/biography@@ after the termination of Richard Lariviere. In a letter to faculty and students, Berdahl expressed the sadness he felt at the process by which he became president but also included the excitement he felt at working for the University.
Occupy’s stay extended
The Eugene City Council voted, during a work session, to allow the Occupy Eugene movement to stay in the Washington-Jefferson Park until Jan. 11@@http://search.kval.com/default.aspx?ct=r&q=%22Washington-Jefferson+Park%22@@. The city council extended the deadline in order to have more time to transition the people of Occupy Eugene to another location. Councilors unanimously agreed that allowing the Occupiers to stay where they are was not the best option for the city in the future.
Occupy Eugene ousted
Following the nearly fatal assault of a visitor to the Occupy camp, the worst in a string of reported instances of violence, the Eugene City Council held an emergency meeting and voted 5-2 to disband the Occupy Eugene camp as soon as possible. All Occupy protesters had left Washington-Jefferson Park by the end of that week.