University officials believe a man who looks middle-aged and who attended a Black Student Union awards ceremony and other student events last week wasn’t who he said he was.
The man, dressed in slacks and a sweater with a collared shirt underneath, introduced himself as “Dr. Williams” to students at last week’s BSU ceremony. The man said he was an economics professor who had been displaced by Hurricane Katrina, and he later persuaded students to give him money.
“He looked the part,” University sophomore and BSU outreach coordinator Michael Reta said. “He looked like a professor and was well-spoken.”
Reta said the man told students he previously taught economics at Southern University at New Orleans and introduced himself simply as “Dr. Williams.”
“He seemed very professional and told us he was here on an interview to work here,” Reta said.
Reta said the man talked to students about investing money to get rich.
University sophomore Ashleigh Callier said the man winked and talked with her while waiting in line for food at the ceremony.
“You know how some people talk with their hands and sometimes they hit you? He kept hitting me on my rear end,” Callier said.
During the ceremony, the man also introduced himself to Lyllye Parker, advising coordinator at the Office of Multicultural Academic Support.
Parker said the man told her he had six children and a wife and was a former professor.
“If you’re an economics professor, you may find opportunities here,” Parker recounts telling the man. “I don’t know if they’re hiring, but if I can be of any help to you, here’s my card.”
The man called Parker in her office the next day and asked for $79 to help pay for a motel room.
“I’m sorry, but I’m not in a position to do that,” Parker told him, “but I could give you the name of some charitable organizations.”
Parker later heard complaints from students about the man because he made students feel uncomfortable, Parker said.
Callier saw the man later in the week when she went to class and at a friend’s workplace in the EMU.
“He was like, you are so fine, you are so beautiful,” Callier said, adding the man tried to hold her hand. “Keep in mind this guy looks like he’s in his late 50s. It came off really inappropriate.”
Callier said the man also made comments about her body.
“No little boy can handle the curves you got,” Callier recalled the man saying.
Callier and Parker then contacted the Department of Public Safety and Director of University Housing Mike Eyster.
The unidentified man has persuaded students to give him money to help pay for motel rooms and groceries under the assumption that he was a displaced economics professor from New Orleans, Eyster said. It’s unknown how much money the man has accepted from students or if he is still on campus.
University officials have notified Eugene police, Eyster said.
The officer working on the case was not available Thursday.
“What has been described to them to date doesn’t appear to be illegal as long as people willingly give him money,” Eyster said.
SUNO spokesman Harold Clark said the New Orleans university offers a business degree in which economics classes are required, but the school doesn’t offer an economics degree. Clark said he was unable to determine if a man with the last name of Williams had ever been employed with SUNO. The school closed in 2005 because of Hurricane Katrina and opened a temporary facility last year.
No business or economics professor with the last name of Williams was listed in SUNO’s directory.
The University of Oregon’s human resources Web site does not list any openings for an economics professor.
Eyster said he wants students to be aware of the situation and sent an e-mail to student groups Wednesday afternoon, notifying students about the man. Eyster said “Dr. Williams” has attended student events in the EMU and Knight Library.
Parker said she fears the man is using her name to meet people within the community.
“I’m afraid he’s going to use my name to open more doors for himself,” Parker said. “My concern is that I don’t know this man, and we’re not good friends. I’m not recommending his cause to anybody.”
Reta said it’s difficult to know who belongs at the University sometimes.
“I think students need to be welcoming to new people on campus, but make sure they’re supposed to be here,” Reta said.
According to Emerald archives, in April 2005, Checklin Jonathan Vaifale of Eugene was arrested on charges of criminal impersonation after he pretended to be a University psychology professor. Vaifale was an active member of various campus clubs for two years and said his name was Jonathan Vaifalc-Valdez. He told police he pretended to be a professor to interact with students. When Eugene police arrested Vaifale, he was carrying a briefcase and some files.
Callier said “Dr. Williams” is a black man in his late 50s, is about 6 feet tall and weighs roughly 220 pounds. She said the man has a lump on his forehead and he has an afro.
Those with more information can contact Eugene police at (541) 346-2904.
Contact the crime, health and safety reporter at [email protected]
Man poses as professor to get cash
Daily Emerald
April 26, 2007
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