October 09, 2009 07:25 PM UTC

"Ben$on" Makes Good?

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• by: Colorado Pols

The appointment of GOP powerbroker and former gubernatorial candidate Bruce Benson to the Presidency of the University of Colorado, if you recall, was a controversial matter–liberal activist groups and many faculty members opposed his nomination, and his appointment by the CU Board of Regents was not unanimous.

Since then, Benson has seen a great deal of the other side of higher education funding issues, and seems to have genuinely recognized the university’s needs–even if that means running afoul of Republican axioms. Last week, Benson attracted notice for strongly defending CU against suggestions that it be privatized as part of a budget fix.

And today? Praising the benefits of the federal economic stimulus bill for the University of Colorado. From his periodic email newsletter:

CU researchers, students benefit from federal stimulus funding

Our top priority is providing students a great education. Classroom teaching is essential to that, but so is research. CU faculty members are dedicated to sharing their knowledge with undergraduate and graduate students in the classroom and research laboratories. Together, they are striving to answer some of the same riddles faced by scientists around the globe: Will global climate change affect humanity? What are the best approaches for detecting and treating cancer? Which renewable energies will be cost-effective solutions for our energy needs? Can stem cell research lead to cures for some of the most debilitating illnesses?

Collaborating on finding answers can lead to some of the richest experiences for our students and faculty. Because discovery and innovation are important aspects of higher education, finding funding sources for faculty research is crucial, too. In fact, sponsored research funding is an economic lifeline for academic researchers, even if it comes in the form of one-time federal stimulus funding. Since Sept. 14, CU researchers across our four campuses have received a total of 220 research grants worth $119.5 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Over the coming weeks and months our faculty, assisted by professional and student research assistants, will apply these funds to projects that could result in new medicines, therapeutic treatments and technological breakthroughs. These advancements will not only highlight their brilliant work, but will help us tell the stories of the great people who teach, conduct research and serve the Colorado community.

Yes, that “pop” you just heard was indeed Josh Penry’s head exploding.