Spring Break
Making Himself Available
Hogan Answers Student Questions On Higher Education, Economics Of Public Universities
Ryan Sayers
Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: News
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The question-and-answer session, which began at 6:30 p.m., was set up by the group's CAs to help give focus to the sophomore students who are required to do a civil engagement project as part of living on the floors. As a subject, the students selected to work on opening access to higher education to people in programs such as Upward Bound.
Hogan fielded a variety of questions on subjects including access to higher education, economics of a public university and political views on education. He referred to UConn's success in opening access to higher education, calling the university "a tribute to democracy and to higher education."
"Public universities are the only ones who can bring higher education to the people," Hogan said, praising UConn for providing scholarships to deserving incoming freshman.
Hogan praised public universities' scholarship programs, explaining that UConn uses 30 percent of its budget on scholarships whereas many private universities use far less.
At times, the discussion also wandered into less serious territory. At one point Hogan was asked how he felt that most college football coaches got paid more than he did.
"There are a lot of people at universities that get paid more than me," he replied, drawing laughs from the audience.
Jonny Schreiber, a junior community assistant in Brock and one of the event's organizers, was impressed with Hogan's talk.
"[Hogan] clearly considered the issues," Schreiber said.
Throughout the session, Hogan kept the talk interesting with anecdotes about his time before UConn. Through these stories, such as one that referenced him applying to the Peace Corps at the age of 17, he brought insight about the empowerment each person has to help others.
He also expressed his excitement for these students' particular efforts.
"[Hogan] engaged well with the students," said Liz Smith, a 5th-semester student.
In addition to answering questions, Hogan challenged the students on the economics of a public university. He asked the students about increasing funding in order to hire new faculty and pointed out the give and take between budget and tuition.
"There is a dollar-for-dollar connection between state funding and higher education tuition," Hogan said. "I believe in higher education, and it will be the salvation of the country."
Contact Ryan Sayers at
Ryan.Sayers@UConn.edu.
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