Spring Break
Bush library committee selects SMU
School and committee to enter into exclusive negotiations
Mark Norris, Editor in Chief, mnorris@smu.edu
Issue date: 12/22/06 Section: News
There is no set timeline on the length of the negotiations, according to Turner, who said the school would be "diligent in working with the site selection committee."
Negotiations are set to begin shortly after the new-year.
SMU has been considered the front runner in the library sweepstakes thanks to a multitude of links with the current administration. The most notable is First Lady Laura Bush, who is a member of the Board of Trustees and a graduate of the school.
Presidential libraries are operated by the federal government, but are built with private monies. In addition to holding tens of thousands of papers to be used for research, libraries are also part tourist attraction.
Turner said between 300 and 1,500 people a day could be expected to visit the Bush library. When asked how the school could handle the additional influx of traffic Turner replied people would have to wait and see.
SMU would join two other Texas schools that already have presidential libraries: the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library at the University of Texas at Austin and the George H.W. Bush Library at Texas A&M University.
The announcement Thursday came less than 24 hours after two University Gardens condo owners had an appeal rejected by a federal court judge. The ruling allows SMU to begin knocking down the complex within weeks.
"The recent decision clarifying that we do have clear title to University Gardens certainly helps to remove a cloud from that particular area," Turner said.
However, condo owner Gary Vodicka said he plans to file a second appeal today with the federal court. The first appeal, a motion for a stay, was rejected Wednesday but was filed by co-litigant Robert Talfel. Vodicka, who said the water in his condo was turned off Thursday, will file a motion for rehearing and to vacate the summary judgment.
Negotiations are set to begin shortly after the new-year.
SMU has been considered the front runner in the library sweepstakes thanks to a multitude of links with the current administration. The most notable is First Lady Laura Bush, who is a member of the Board of Trustees and a graduate of the school.
Presidential libraries are operated by the federal government, but are built with private monies. In addition to holding tens of thousands of papers to be used for research, libraries are also part tourist attraction.
Turner said between 300 and 1,500 people a day could be expected to visit the Bush library. When asked how the school could handle the additional influx of traffic Turner replied people would have to wait and see.
SMU would join two other Texas schools that already have presidential libraries: the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library at the University of Texas at Austin and the George H.W. Bush Library at Texas A&M University.
The announcement Thursday came less than 24 hours after two University Gardens condo owners had an appeal rejected by a federal court judge. The ruling allows SMU to begin knocking down the complex within weeks.
"The recent decision clarifying that we do have clear title to University Gardens certainly helps to remove a cloud from that particular area," Turner said.
However, condo owner Gary Vodicka said he plans to file a second appeal today with the federal court. The first appeal, a motion for a stay, was rejected Wednesday but was filed by co-litigant Robert Talfel. Vodicka, who said the water in his condo was turned off Thursday, will file a motion for rehearing and to vacate the summary judgment.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 54
John
posted 12/21/06 @ 2:23 PM CST
wow, this is really sad,
way to go SMU!! on mounting a library to the worst president in the history of the United States.
I am ashamed to be a student of Southern Methodist University, so much that I am now looking to transer out. (Continued…)
Anthony P. James
posted 12/21/06 @ 2:27 PM CST
way to go ignorant rednecks!!! you finally brought your good ol boy back to your ranch!!
kris norvet
posted 12/21/06 @ 3:32 PM CST
Dear President Turner,
As a former student, I find it disappointing that the University has not considered the impact this presidential library may have on recruiting - this move may very well do more to re-inforce the homogonization of the student body than any other move in recent history. (Continued…)
Mark
posted 12/21/06 @ 4:05 PM CST
Six years ago President George W. Bush was one of the most popular Presidents in the history of the United States. No other President has had to endure an attack on our Country such as 911 and hopefully no other will. (Continued…)
Scott Rewak
posted 12/21/06 @ 4:07 PM CST
I agree with the previous comments. I am ashamed of this decision. My hope is that the deal falls apart in further planning. SMU will be known for this library, as well as the ultra conservative right wing educational think tank that will be attached to it. (Continued…)
Michael Correll
posted 12/21/06 @ 4:31 PM CST
Congratulations SMU! While I may dramatically disagree with some of the policy choices of President Bush, I defintely believe the presence of a presidential library on our beautiful campus will only serve to afford our students amazing opportunities for even greater scholarship. (Continued…)
Scott Rewak
Scott Rewak
posted 12/21/06 @ 4:34 PM CST
SMU should also be prepared to endure protests and backlash, not just from alumni or students, but from many sources.
Rick Dunlop
posted 12/21/06 @ 6:25 PM CST
All of these blasts on GWB himself are out of line. The Presidential Library will house many important documents from the Bush Administration that are invaluable to this country's history. (Continued…)
Mary
posted 12/21/06 @ 8:26 PM CST
Hopefully these comments are not from alum or students of SMU. I would hate to think people that small minded and ignorant to what a presidential library is really about would have graduated from this fine university. (Continued…)
Stan King
posted 12/21/06 @ 10:58 PM CST
The hate against our president is childish, and applying it to SMU's desire to host a presidential library is petty and short-sighted.
More to the point, to quote Stan from South Park: "America may have some problems, but it's our home, our team. (Continued…)
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