611 Church Street Ann Arbor, Mi. 996-2747 exceptional edible experience. Page 8A-Thursday, September 6, 1979-The Michigan Daily Smith reviews interim. J' By JULIE ENGEBRECHT Allan Smith wants to make sure everyone knows he thinks the presiden- cy at the University is "the _ best educational job in the United States." The 67-year-old Smith has served as interim president since Robben Fleming resigned his post last January. He cited "the excellence of the faculty, quality of the students, and excellent facilities," as primary evidence for his claim that he, or anyone, would be ex- ceptionally fortunate to be president of this University. "YOU MAY not believe this," Smith said, relaxing in his Administration Building office in early July, "but the job hasn't changed me tod much." Smith said acting as a spokesperson for the University is one of the more significant duties of the president. He added the constant public attention was not radically different from other jobs he has held at the University, including dean of the Law- School and vice- president for academic affairs. The veteran administrator came to the University in 1946. He said he feels comfortable as either an administrator or a laW professor, but he added that "it'll be nice to get back" to his teaching duties in January, 1980. A PRESIDENT can have an enor- mous influence on a university, accordi ing to Smith, but the consequences are probably not directly felt. "It's indirect," Smith said, speaking of a president' sity. "As head look to you president is ;e pens at the Uni The interir primary conce been securing the state for a Smith has bee with the state regional plan Departmentt Quality FR course Dollar '% bloc 41 m Open 7 E RSE Copies- EE Copy4 pack to Bill 611 Chu k South of 665-921 PACK 0 -Low Prices of your professors Copying I arch S. University PA 00 a// Zt l.sf#dt~t presidency s impact on the Univer- University has been accused of of the institution people politicizing the issue in order to get ap- for leadership. The proval for the $254 million renovation sponsible for what hap- project, and Smith says those charges versity." make him angry with those who say the m president said his institution does not need a new hospital.; ern during his term has "THEY JUST don't understand the a certificate of need from educational purposes of the University; new University hospital. I think," he said. "They need to take n the school's negotiator another look at the place. The hospital in a battle between the is crucial to us. ining council and the Smith said he has been pleased to be of Public Health. The able to share in some of the "ex- citement" at the University since he has been in office. "I ENJOYED following the student Union," Smith said, referring to the Regents' January decision to allow the Michigan Union to be renovated. The also turn control of it over to the Office of Student Services. "I was really ex- cited about that," he said. He also spoke of the protests at the March and April Regents meetings, during which more than 200 demon- strators demanded that the University withdraw its holdings in companies which do business in South Africa. "What happened then is something I won't forget for a long time - maybe never," Smith said. He added that the "memorable event" used a lot of his "nervous energy." The issue of divestment is something Smith will likely be forced to deal with in his final months as the University's chief executive. Protesters have said they will continue to take their issue to the Regents until the matter is resolved. "I BELIEVE the Regents will adopt a policy which will be a reasonable one; which they won't have to review every r month," he said. His pride in the University is most evident when he speaks .of the in- stitution retaining its neutralty in society. One of his favorite subjects is the issue of academic freedom, Daily Photo something he says the new University mer vice-president for president must take stronger and idency. stronger measures to maintain. To celebrate the contribution of women in film, Cinema IIis sponsoring a film festival this fall. We feature weekly films & guest speakers. Check out our fall schedule. rIQIDINIG U? H ALF T(IE SKY INTERIM UNIVERSITY President Allan Smith reflects on his eight months in office. The for academic affairs will return to teaching law in January when Harold Shapiro takes over the presi Fleming recalls years of student activism Tribute To Women In Film Guess speakersi include Claudia Weil, Molly Haskell and Chick Strand. By SARA ANSPACH Except for an occasional meeting with college interns, Robben Fleming doesn't see many students anymore. But from his office in Washington, D.C. where he now leads the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the former Two Weeks Only *SEPT. 4th Thru 15th 0 EVkERYTHING 1* JUNIOR sweaters " tops " pants *dresses skirts *accessories AND entire stock of New Fall Boots'N'Shoes including Bass, &Dexter! LAYAWAY TODAY! DON'T MISS IT! Register for Free Attic Backpack! 10 to be given away FREE! No purchase necessary 'reg. priced merchandise only University president said he looks upon the eleven years when encounters with students were daily occurrences as the "greatest experience" of his life. The years from 1967 to 1978 weren't easy years for a university president. Fleming came to Ann Arbor from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in, the peak of student turmoil on campus. "In those years the president spent a lot of his waking hours on the problem of student turmoil," Fleming said. "I ALWAYS believed that you did not solve problems by using troops or tear gas," he said. Although he admitted that police were sometimes necessary in curbing violent students, Fleming said he strongly believes in "finding solutions without force." Fleming and his administration came under much fire during their first years. Criticism came from around the nation for what many called Fleming's lenient attitudes toward student protests. Students, too, often were frustrated because the president didn't always give way to their demands. "OUR POSITION wasn't always very popular," Fleming remembered. "But we stuck to it, and by and large came out of it. without the long, term animosities and hatreds some schools, like KentState, had." In subsequent years, turmoil died down and financial problems emerged to keep the president's waking hours occupied. Trying to combat the "ever- rising" student tuition and keep faculty salaries on a competitive level in an era of inflation were Fleming's goals before his resignation'last January. Life wasn't all grim as president, and Fleming recalls the. many accom- plishments of his administration. He said he is pleased the University main- tained its high academic standing during his presidency, and speaks with PLANTS GALORE Iw Wa h iII Un Pia Cu Open: MTWS, 10-6 ThF, 10-9 Sun., 12-5 A 1202 Packard (at w 994-4842 AND MORE all Weavings nported Boxes nique Cards ant Supplies ut Flowers e'P nd much more Plants Pottery Baskets Candles Pictures Lamps Books Mirrors Wicker 15% OFF Hny plant with This Aid Fleming pride of his efforts to open the Univer- sity to minorities. Both the Flint cam- pus and the Dearborn campuses became four-year institutions under Fleming, and on Central Campus, recreation facilities were expanded. FLEMING IS especially proud the University is a place for free exchange of ideas. "There is, and was, and I think always will be, freedom on campus to hear controversial views," he said. The former president said, reflecting upon his eleven years as chief executive of the University, "Yeah, it's a great job." Plenty of free parking (Side Dewey-and rear) Serving the U-M and nn Arbor community for 6 years Vells) ENERGY. We can't afford to waste it. DISCOUNT WIATERBEDS 10 Year Guarantee 2 Sizes, KING (6x7) or QUEEN (5x7) Complete with Frame-Building Plans and Ideas OLY 3ONLY SHE ATERS: 4 Year Guarantee SEND TO: DISCOUNT WATERBEDS P.O. Box H HIGHLAND PARK, ILL. 60035 PLEASE SEND ME: -KING SIZE BED(S) at $39.95 EA.