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MONDAY February 23, 2004 - Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels December 20, 2003 The Call to Public Service Across Generations By Elisabeth A. Zinser President, Southern Oregon University A monumental change is occurring in the Oregon State Legislature with the resignation of Senator Lenn Hannon, who has accepted Governor Kulongoski's appointment to the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision. A genuine, yet humble, public servant, Senator Hannon has served for 30 years in the Oregon Senate. In April 1960, an Ashland High School junior was playing in the school band for the Pear Blossom Festival in Medford when U.S. Senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy appeared in a pinstriped suit and red polka dot tie to speak to and shake the hands of those assembled. Young Lenn was deeply touched by the man who would become a hero for untold numbers of youth. To this day, a framed copy of that speech hangs on the bedroom wall of the man who has served as Oregon State Senator for half his lifetime. "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country" was the call to public service for Lenn. Today, it is Senator Hannon who provides inspiration to Oregonians devoting themselves to public service. Among Lenn's most admirable traits are his devotion to fairness, equity, and diversity; his unwavering actions for One Oregon; his belief in quality public education across the spectrum; his civility and collaborative style of leadership; his ability to speak plainly and clearly to the issues; and his courage. Senator Hannon focused his legislative leadership on advancing a strong Oregon, both rural and urban. He recognized the valuable role each region plays in Oregon's vitality. He fought to make education, health, and other vital services accessible to Oregon's rural areas. Lenn worked with fellow legislators to help OUS account for economies of scale in the model used to allocate general fund dollars to its seven universities. He also made sure that smaller institutions were able to automate their libraries and laid the foundation for a multi-state library consortium, which maximizes resources and provides access to 22 million items. Our education Senator has urged and supported affordability initiatives for students. He understands equitable access to quality education requires adequate public financing for the institutions serving students. He has provided extraordinary leadership in educational funding, with special emphasis on public schools, Rogue Community College, and his alma maters, Ashland High and Southern Oregon University. Senator Hannon is and has always been a gentleman. He models a standard of civility that, as a university president, I strive to set for our students. He engages in difficult debates about controversial issues and creates opportunities for collaborative problem solving with sound information. Lenn Hannon speaks clearly and from the heart. He defends those who are underprivileged or hurting, and he advises those of us with influence to make a difference for the benefit of Oregon's citizens. He is among those who gave me insight and practical guidance when I first arrived in Ashland, and I continue to seek his counsel. Recognizing the changing mission of Southern, Lenn sponsored the 1997 legislation that renamed Southern Oregon State College to Southern Oregon University. To support this vision, Lenn ensured SOU would have facilities it needed, including housing for students with families, a computing center, a center for the visual arts, and an academic research library that will serve as a contemporary learning center and an electronic link to worldwide resources. Finally, a word about courage. Lenn has always chosen to do what he believes is right for the people and institutions of Oregon, even when it required personal sacrifice. His willingness to speak out boldly and with specific ideas on tax reform and approaches to public funding will rank high in his legacy. John F. Kennedy once said: "Let public service be a proud and lively career. And let every man and woman who works in any area of our national government, in any branch, at any level, be able to say with pride and with honor in future years: 'I served the United States government in that hour of our nation's need.'" Lenn and Dixie Hannon have done so for Oregon, and thus for our nation, too. Dixie Hannon has earned a place of distinction right alongside her husband for her outstanding job as his legislative aide and her support as his loving wife. To both of them, we say, "Thank you, and best wishes for a meaningful, happy venture into the next stage of your careers and lives." Lenn and Dixie Hannon will always be cherished members of the SOU family. DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Site Search: A new improved archive search is coming! Look for it in mid-February! .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - ODOT Road Cams