Trustee will return to office

Being an IU trustee is no small task. They're responsible for keeping college accessible and affordable, recruiting and retaining capable students, and shaping IU policy. \nOne of these trustees is Cora Breckenridge, who was re-elected to a third term Tuesday, which will last for another three years. She received her position by election from IU alumni rather than by governor appointment, like two-thirds of the board. \nBreckenridge acknowledged the support of her friends and admirers.\n"I am elated," she said of her re-election. "I am tremendously grateful to all of the alumni who voted for me ... I am deeply indebted to all of them." \nThe recipient of over 16,000 votes in the election, Breckenridge cannot be acquainted with every voter who chose her; she credits the IU Alumni Association with helping spread the word about her qualifications as much as her worldwide network of friends. The IUAA sends out fliers containing information about each of the candidates to assist alumni in making an educated selection, and\nBreckenridge made sure her extended IU family was aware of her intentions. \nBeing a two-time IU graduate with a husband, two sons, a daughter and a sister who all are affiliated with IU, Breckenridge's commitment to the University has deep roots. She said one of the most important aspects of her position on the board is letting the IU community know that she is, indeed, accessible.\n"IU family, alumni, staff and particularly students -- they should know they have an open line of communication with me," Breckenridge said, pointing out that dialogue between board members and those linked to IU is essential to the evolution of the University. \nBreckenridge possesses an impressive resume of accomplishments -- both in and outside of the IU arena -- that more than qualify her for this elite group. A Speech and Language Pathologist in Elkhart, Ind. Community Schools until 1998, she and her husband began an endowment at IU-Kokomo several years ago; then in the fall of 2000, the Franklin and Cora Breckenridge Scholarship was awarded for the first time. The scholarship, which gives preference to African-American students, is intended to help provide one person with an education and life otherwise out of reach. Breckenridge is deeply involved in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, holding various positions inside that organization. She is a member of the Elkhart County and Indiana Retired Teachers Association, and former president of Elkhart County Speech and Hearing Association.\nOther members of the IU board of trustees champion Breckenridge for her tremendous community impact and said they look forward to working with her for the upcoming term as well. \n"Cora has brought a unique perspective to our board," said Sue Talbot, another alumni trustee. "Her many years of service as a loyal and involved alumna of IU helps her represent our graduates."\nTalbot shares a background in education with Breckenridge; the women are the only two members on the board with such a history.\n"My background (in the field of education) is particularly important because I am able to identify with students from kindergarten age to 20 years -- really the gamut of the educational process," Breckenridge said. This identification is essential to some of Breckenridge's -- and the board's -- main goals for the University, most obviously the recruitment and retention of students. \n"We're on the right track," she said. "(Where we're headed is a) manifestation of my vision for the institution. We want more college graduates in the state of Indiana, and we are doing so much for student retention at IU." \nPride in the past and future successes of the board aside, Breckenridge said she does not hedge about the urgency of diversity issues on and around campus.\nPatrick Shoulders, another member of the board, describes Breckenridge as an excellent and experienced trustee, especially in this regard.\n"As a female and the only person of color on our current board, I would call her our 'keeper of the diversity conscience,'" Shoulders said. "She is a tireless and articulate advocate for educational excellence and equal opportunity at all of our IU campuses." \nBreckenridge said she sees the trustees as the stewards of IU, upon whose plates fall the responsibility of keeping the University what it is. Her enthusiasm for her re-election unwavering and her attitude progressive, Breckenridge said she wants the IU community to know the board of trustees is there as a tool for public use. \n"Indiana taxpayers make this possible, and everyone should feel free to contact the trustees," she said. "It's our job to ensure that IU stays great"