Paige Sports Arena might soon be known by another name. Bill and Nancy Laurie have transferred the naming rights of the new $75-Million dollar basketball arena back to the University of Missouri. The announcement comes as the controversy surrounding Paige Laurie intensifies. Paige Laurie has been accused by her former roommate of cheating her way through the University of Southern California. The roommate claims Laurie paid her $20,000 to do classwork while the two attended USC. Those allegations came to light Friday during an ABC newsmagazine 20-20 story. USC has launched its own investigation. University of Missouri President Elson Floyd and University of Missouri-Columbia Chancellor Brady Deaton announced late Tuesday afternoon that the Laurie family is transferring to the university the naming rights to the new MU basketball arena. The Lauries, heirs to the Wal Mart fortune, secured the naming rights after donating $25-Million dollars toward its financing. They named it after their only daughter. Their business is also named after Paige. The university says the Lauries’ decision was reached voluntarily. “We continue to be grateful to the Laurie family for their long-time support of MU in academics and athletics,” MU Chancellor Brady Deaton said. “Their generosity is helping us build a nationally renowed research university and a sports complex that will serve our student-athletes at the highest level. We respect their decision in this matter, and we will make a naming recommendation in the near future.”
Legislators Crack Down on Underage Drinking
A multi-pronged approach to crack down on drinking by minors has been suggested by a special committee of the legislature. The joint legislative committee wants a law letting charges be filed against someone who is underage and drunk. The law now only allows a person to be charged if they possess alcohol. The committee says minors should lose their driver’s licenses if they’re caught in possession of alcohol, whether they’re in a car or not. Committee Chairman Mike Gibbons (R-Kirkwood) says one special target is parents who allow children to throw parties where alcohol is served. The committee also recommends the law be tougher on those who make fake ID cards young people use to get alcohol and that school districts be required to have policies outlining the consequences students will face at school if they are caught drinking; on or off school property. The consequences could include bans from extracurricular activities. The committee says there are plenty of other issues that need more study, including the use of underage people by police to catch merchants who will sell alcohol to minors. Gibbons says that’s something for another committee to study, as is a suggested increase in beer and liquor taxes for the first time in 35 years.
Floyd In Kansas City to Discuss Gilliland’s Future
University of Missouri system president Elson Floyd is in Kansas City today to find out why some faculty members think Chancellor Martha Gilliland is a poor leader. Several faculty groups have approved a no-confidence motion on Gilliland’s leadership by a vote of 166-30.UMKC has about 12,000 students. Gilliland has been the chancellor for more than four years.
Lincoln University Narrows Presidential Search
Lincoln University has narrowed its presidential search down to three people. All three are the top academic officers at their present universities. All three have backgrounds at historically black universities. They’ll take a look at the school within the next two weeks. One of them will be offered the job now held by David Henson, who is retiring after eight years as President of Lincoln, located in Jefferson City.
