Indiana University President Michael McRobbie says financial foresight by the school's board of trustees has helped IU weather the recession better than many institutions. McRobbie delivered his annual 'State of the University' address Tuesday, devoting a large section of the speech to the IU's fiscal health."At the urging of our trustees, we substantially increased our rainy day fund over the last three years as a buffer against economic downtown. The flexibilty and stability that such fiscal discipline provides have helped to cushion us against the economic maelstrom experienced elsewhere in higher education," he said.But McRobbie says IU has been forced to adust to state budget cuts caused by a sharp drop in tax revenues, eliminating more than 140 non-faculty positions through attrition, freezing salaries and limiting travel.He encouraged IU alumni and others in the private sector to support the school financially.In addition to its main campus in Bloomington, IU has regional campuses in seven other communities, including New Albany.
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.