The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com ( Monday, September 8, 2014 - 3A PRESIDENT From Page 1A aspirations, what they are most proud of, and what they are anx- ious about as we move forward together." Pollack, the University's pro- vost, gave , opening remarks welcoming the community and introducing the University's gov- erning Board of Regents, deans and faculty, as well as Schlissel and his extended family. She also stressed the responsibility Schlis- sel has to respond to the challeng- es and trials facing public higher education. Following her speech, Snyder noted Schlissel's eagerness to learn, alluding to the new presi- dent's recent trip around the state. He added that Schlissel will serve as the cornerstone of humanity at the University. "What makes the University of Michigan a truly special place is not one area or sectors, it is the humanity of the University, the people," Snyder said. In an address that elicited thunderous applause multiple times, Simmons, who served as the president of Brown Univer- sity and appointed Schlissel it's provost, called on universities to devote more attention to ensuring students leave prepared to resolve conflict and treat others with respect - even as theyincreasing- ly push forward new innovations in science and technology. "Respect for others is a goal worth setting and worthy of pres- idential leadership," she said. Regent Kathy White, who is the chair of the Board of Regents, outlined a history of past Univer- sity presidents, concluding with Schlissel's formal inauguration. The crowd gave an overwhelming standing ovation. An hour before the inaugura- tion ceremony, Schlissel joined the regents, executive officers, deans, faculty and representatives from 100 other universities for a formal robing ceremony held in Rackham Auditorium. In an interview with The Mich- igan Daily during the ceremony, Schlissel saidhewasimpressed by the number of guests who came to represent their university, depart- ment or college. "It is one of the most amaz- ing days of my life," he said. "I'm, humbled." Thoughhetechnicallysassumed the presidency in July, Schlissel said the past week has been an experience apart from the rest of his time at the University. "It really changed a lot when the students came back to town a few days ago," he said. "I've been running into students all across the campus. The energy level went up a notch and it's just really exciting." However, Schlissel said there's more he can do to become further acquainted with the campus com- munity. "I have to continue my efforts to getting to know people, getting to know the faculty, students and staff and what their aspirations are and how I can add to the work of the University to make it bet- ter," he said. After the ceremonial robing process, a processional of hun- dreds of gowned academics and officials marched down the steps of Rackham Auditorium and through the Diag, ending at Hill Auditorium. Students and members of the community who lined the path- way cheered and applauded. Some event attendees reached for mem- bers of the processional, including President EmeritaMary Sue Cole- man, to snap a photo. In the Diag, student volunteers in maize T-shirts created a tun- nel for the processional to walk through. Students chanted, "It's great to be aMichigan Wolverine" and sangHail to the Victors. When Schlissel exited the stu- dent volunteer tunnel, many stu- dents jumped at the opportunity to give him a high five and take a selfie. Dozens of those participants also took positions in a post- inaugural community festival set outside the auditorium. A few hundred people gathered for Uni- versity-sponsored food and music set up around Ingalls Mall. LSA sophomores Kasey Wright and Stephanie Saravolatz served as event volunteers earlier in the day and helped cheer on the pro- cessional as it passed through the Diag. "I am a scholarship student here and this was something I could do to give back to the Uni- versity (that) has given me so much," Wright said. "Students started joining even though they didn't have t-shirts and I thought that was pretty cool and I think everyone enjoyed it a lot," Saravolatz said. LSA junior Joe Murray, anoth- er student volunteer, said he was impressed with Schlissel's inau- gural speech and his push for valuing all voices, despite conflict or disagreement. "I would love to see him imple- ment those ideas he talked about as far as making sure the Univer- sity stays really open to people and that we seek people from Michigan and around the country and the world, makingsure every- one who deserves to go here has the opportunity to." INCLUSIVITY From Page 1A as an undergraduate freshman to work at a supermarket. Those earnings - in concert with need- based scholarships and student loans - helped put him through school. Today, he said too many students face a more challeng- ing climb to afford a university education and pledged to keep tuition affordable for all. "Talent is uniformly .distrib- uted across the populace," he said. "But opportunity most cer- tainly is not. We must encour- age every talented high school senior in Michigan to apply here. Students and their parents must hear clearly and rest secure that the University of Michigan val- ues curiosity and intellect, not zip codes or family income." According to data from the University's Office of the Reg- istrar, 63 percent of incom- ing freshmen in fall 2011 reported family incomes exceed- ing $100,000. The figure was 72 percent for nonresident students. The median family income in the United States is $51,324, accord- ing to a2012 survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Though Schlissel cited the University's commitmentto raise $1 billion for financial aid as part of the ongoing Victors for Michi- gan development campaign, tuition has continued to rise. LSA in-state tuition increased by 60 percent and out-of-state tuition by 55 percent between academic years 2004-05 and 2013-14, due in part to declining state support for institutions of higher educa- tion. In the inauguration's keynote speech that ignited the audi- torium with applause, Ruth J. Simmons, the former Brown University president, called on college presidents to continue charging toward the "Great Soci- ety" laid out by President Lyndon Johnson in his 1964 commence- ment address atthe University. In that speech, Johnson called for a renewed fight against poverty and racial injustice that would push America closer toward a society "where every child can find knowledge to enrich his mind and to enlarge his talents." "In our time, I see no bet- ter site to join that battle than universities and I see no bet- ter generals for that battle than university presidents," Simmons said. In an interview with The Michigan Daily outside Hill Auditorium, Simmons said, like Schlissel, she chose to discuss community and diversity after this summer's tension in Fergu- son, Mo. struck her as indicative of the issues faced by communi- ties across the country. "These very fundamental attributes of kindness and gener- osity and respect - we give short shrift to that - and yet when (conflict) explodes, that's what it comes down to." Simmons said these challeng- es are especially prevalent on col- lege campuses. "It's very hard to benefit prop- erly from an excellent learning environment if you're feeling alienated, disrespected, unim- portant," she said. "I don't have any problem with people dis- agreeing with me; I do have a problem when there's nobody there who looks at me and says I understand that this is difficult for you and I feel for you," she said. Schlissel, too, made the case for creating a community built on respect and dialogue, especially amid disagreement. He cited an incident at Brown last year when protest prevented New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly - who pioneered the controversial policing policy called "stop and frisk" - from delivering astalk on campus. Schlissel said turning from the people we disagree with or denying them the opportunity to speak robs the community of valuable learning experiences and the chance to challenge ideas. "People have stood on this very stage and voiced unsettling opinions," he said. "Ross Barnett was the governor of Mississippi and a segregationist. He opposed the civil rights legislation of the 1960s and the integration of his state's flagship university. He was booed here, in 1963, but he was allowed to speak. This is what great universities do: We encourage all voices, no matter how discomforting the message." Last spring, a proposal that asked the Central Student Gov- ernment to support University divestment from companies allegedly involved in human rights violations in Palestine propagated tension across many corners of campus as groups delved into a debate that was at times divisive. While Schlissel didn't refer to that controversy, he emphasized the role of universities in encour- aging debate that's respectful of diverse viewpoints and a com- munity that's open to criticism, even when the conversation is challenging for individuals or for the University. "That is why I want Michigan to be known as a place where mutual respect does not require agreement, where differences of perspective are treated with sen- sitivity, and where we all become advocates for, and experts in, civil discourse." Schlissel is not the first presi- dent to address these issues in an inaugural speech, though many of those addresses devoted con- siderably less space to the top- ics. Toward the end of her 2003 inaugural, University President Emerita Mary Sue Coleman highlighted the University's pending cases before the U.S. Supreme Court regardingthe use of race, among other factors, in university admissions. "No matter what the outcome may be - as an institution, we shall remain committed to the ideal of a diversely interactive community, dedicated to the highest standards," Coleman said. "If we win, we will have a hollow victoy unless we renew our commitment to learning with, and learning from, diverse others every day, in every action, ineveryclassroom,ineveryliving arrangement, in every research and public service endeavor. The nation will be looking to the Uni- versity of Michigan for leader- ship and inspiration, however the decision of the Court is crafted." Though the court ultimately upheld part of the University's affirmative action admissions policy, a 2006 statewide ballot proposal outlawed the consid- eration ofrace in public higher education admissions. Despite Coleman's inaugural promises to uphold the University's commit- ment to diversity, Black enroll- ment has hovered around six percent in recent years. James Duderstadt, who served as the University's 11th president, also articulated the University's responsibility to ensure equal opportunity in his 1988 inaugu- ral. "If we do not create a nation that mobilizes the talents of all our citizens, we are destined for a diminished role in the global community, increased . social turbulence, and most tragical- ly, we will have failed to fulfill the promise of democracy upon which this nation was founded," he said. Still, ensuring expansive and equitable access to the University has proved elusive - despite the promises of multiple presidents who promised progress in their inaugurals. Though Simmons, who tapped Schlissel to serve as her provost, said she can't be sure how he plans to implement the vision established in his inaugural speech, she said his vow to pri- oritize diversity and dialogue is not for show. "Communities are not helped by people who say one thing over here and another over there or who say things that are conve- nient to be said at convenient times," she said. "What we know is he's not a person to do that. He will always move in the direction of clarity. He won't compromise in expressing his views and that to me is an excellent beginning." After listening to the inaugu- ral address, Public Policy junior Hattie McKinney, the Black Stu- dent Union's programming chair, said she can tell Schlissel under- stands the climate he's stepping into and is ready to take the steps necessary to create tangible improvements. However, she said it's a speech that represents Schlissel's inten- tions, and though administra- tors often know the direction they want to head, it's not always achieved. "The goals and the visions he laid out are not an overnight deal," McKinney said. "The pro- cess will be ongoing. It's some- thing he can't do alone. We'll all have to come together to make this vision a reality and it's going to take time." ARTS 'El Pintor'I unsuccessful By ADAM THEISEN Daily Music Editor The fact that the title of Interpol's new record is simply an anagram of the band's B- name is '- actually an El Pintor appropriate metaphor Interpol for the music Matador itself. El Pin- tor certainly sounds like Interpol, minus bassist Carlos D. and with a few small tweaks to the group's style. However, even though the album features many of Inter- pol's strengths, the pieces rare- ly seem to fit together as they should and it ends up sound- ing like an inferior mish-mash of the band's stellar classics. El Pintor is still the Interpol you know and (may) love, but listen to it with its seminal debut record Turn on the Bright Lights still stuck in your head after all these years and some- thing will seem wrong. Perhaps it's unfair to criti- cize a band just for releasing its best stuff too early in its career, but Interpol doesn't do itself any favors by stick- ing with almost the exact style that made it famous. Of course, when you arrive on the scene as fully matured as Interpol did, it's hard to do very much more growing, but the ghosts of early-2000s New York City indie rock haunt El Pintor. The Joy Division-esque bass is still turned all the way up, guitars continue to drone and screech, and Paul Banks's chilly moan of a voice remains - which I sup- pose is great if Interpol is your favorite band. But Interpol's brand of melancholy rock needs all of its parts to be perfectly executed to avoid being grating, and unfortunately, there are too many missteps on El Pintor. That's not to say there aren't guitar part just noodles off on bright spots. Lead single and the side, meaning that instead opening track "All the Rage Back of pushing forward, it's more Home" is a very good rock song like Interpol is on a treadmill. that hits all the points that you El Pintor doesn't pick up would expect. With a drum part nearly at all until it gets to the that makes the number some- homestretch. Here, the gui- what danceable, and admirable tars have some added muscle, fill-in bass-playing from Banks, the drums pound harder and the only complaint to make is Banks's voice, in some places, how predictable it is. Much like gets even more detached and its contemporaries The Strokes ghostly. The last two songs, did with their most recent "Tidal Wave" and "twice as record Comedown Machine and Hard," mostly add to the posi- its first single "All the Tinle," tive feelings. Both are the exact Interpol wants to excite its fans brand of enigmatic melancholy by giving them what's familiar. that made Interpol famous And while that's a perfectly fine when it released its debut, and thing for a band to do, the rest of have uncharacteristically inter- El Pintor follows the same path esting lyrics. Banks's voice Comedown Machine did by basi- seduces you in while the beat keeps you self-consciously on your toes. It's a shame, though, Lacking fun that despite the nice groove, L a k gboth tracks go on for a bit too and catharsis long, and leave you feeling relieved that they're over. Listening to El Pintor, I had a really tough time putting my finger on what exactly made cally proving beyond a doubt the music feel so empty when that, even though Interpol still compared to Turn on the Bright has the talent, it's lost the spark. Lights and Antics. The new The music of El Pintor basi- record is very much the same cally lacks two key elements: familiar Interpol template, and fun and catharsis. Though despite losing Carlos D. the nobody ever really thought of band still has loads of talent and Interpol as a "fun band," its old songcrafting skill. However, indie hits like "PDA" and "Evil" ever since they've established had Banks singing sneaky- themselves, the members of catchy melodies in his deadpan Interpol have had large expec- voice and contained powerful tations to fulfill. Despite there choruses that would always go being no change in style, there's over well at festivals. And when an anxiety in the new music, a the band wanted to go in a dif- refusal to just let things hap- ferent direction, they let out all pen as they will. When Interpol of their moody emotions in gor- arrived on the scene, they were geously bleak tracks like "Unti- young and experimental, influ- tied" and "NYC." On the new enced by post-punk legends bpt album, the band just broods. still creating something stark- The songs often meander and ly different. Back then, there the instruments don't seem to was no pressure to be Inter- fit together right. Songs like pol. Now, it seems impossible "Same Town, New Story" fea- that the band will ever be able tures drums that are trying to to escape that pressure long drive the band onward, but the enough to top its masterpieces. GOVERNOR From Page 1A their classroom knowledge to buildthingsoftheir own. "We really need to figure out how to highlight (events like) this and package it to the general pub- lic so they can see how important this is and how we can put more resourcestowardsit,"hesaid. Sunday was not Snyder's first event at a STEM-related event at the University. In 2013, Snyder delivered the keynote address at the University's Robotics Day, which was sponsored by FIRST- For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. This past June, he hosted the winners of the state's high school robotics competition held by FIRST as he signed his education budget for fiscal year 2015 The $05.8 billion education budget for next year includes $2 million in grants for the robotics program, but the Govemor hopes that STEM and its related sub- fields can become an even more prominent part ofK-12 and higher educationinthe state. "(STEM education) hits all those attributes about innovation, teamwork, collaboration and real- ly could lead to great businesses and long term relationships," he said. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! facebook.com/michigandaily FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! @michigandaily JOIN THE DAILY! Mass Meetings @ 7:30 PM, 420 Maynard. Nothing to lose but your sanity and good health. (Clearly, we know how to market ourselves.) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Redefine your Future Choose your country and program. peacecorps.gov/openings It only takes an hour to apply! Campus Office: 734.647.2182 or peace.corps@umich.edu A A