Gov. Kernan appoints 2 new trustees

Two new alumni will join the IU board of trustees in August after being appointed by Gov. Joe Kernan Thursday.\nJeffrey Cohen and Clarence Boone will serve three-year terms as trustees. They will attend their first meeting in Indianapolis Aug. 18 and 19.\nThe two appointees will replace Trustees Stephen Backer and Peter Obremskey, who were Boone, who earned his bachelor's degree from IU in 1953 and graduated from the IU medical school in 1956, is a retired physician from Gary. Boone is a former president of the IU Alumni Association and winner of the Distinguished Alumni Service Award.\nRecently re-elected board member Sue Talbot said Boone's background in the medical field will offer much insight.\n"It's interesting that (Boone) is the first physician appointment since Dr. Joe Black," Talbot said. "I think it's great to have a diversity of disciplines on the board."\nBoone is also the second black trustee nominated to the board and will join Cora Breckenridge, the first black trustee. Boone co-founded the Neal-Marshall Alumni Club and has served as its president.\nBoone is the third member of the board to have served as president of the Alumni Association. Talbot and Trustee Patrick Shoulders also held the position.\n"The three of us have devoted a great deal of volunteer hours to the University," Talbot said.\nCohen graduated from the Kelley School of Business in 1986 and law school in 1989. He is currently working as managing director with McDonald Investments.\nCohen said he makes frequent trips to campus to attend basketball and football games. Cohen also played IU tennis for four years.\n"I'm a big supporter of IU sports," he said.\nCohen said he is excited to be involved in IU affairs again.\n"I love it," he said. "I was a four-year athlete, a business school grad, a law school grad and now I'll be involved this way."\nTalbot said Cohen is more than qualified for a position as a trustee.\n"His qualifications seem very appropriate for the board," Talbot said.\nTalbot said although she looks forward to working with the new members, the presence of Backer and Obremskey will be missed.\n"We will really miss the wisdom of Stephen Backer and Pete Obremskey," Talbot said. "They have been champions in volunteering. They each served six years and they have made significant contributions."\n-- Contact Campus Editor Karen Green at kamgreen@indiana.edu.