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Students, prez meet for informal breakfast

Yesterday morning, UA President Peter Likins and 12 student representatives met at a coffee shop to discus student issues in the first "Breakfast with the President."

According to Associated Students of the University of Arizona President Francisco Aguilar, the students witnessed the personal side of Likins when they got together at Cafe Paraiso, 800 E. University Blvd.

"Dr. Likins impressed the socks off everybody," he said. "He was very candid and honest with us."

Aguilar said Likins detailed his personal life as well as his college history.

"I though it was very informative. Dr. Likins really opened up," said Jeff Grant, a studio arts senior. "He was very personal with us."

Marketing junior Andrea Tseng said she felt the meeting educated both the students and Likins.

"I though he was an amazing man" she said. "He brought up a lot of issues that I didn't know existed."

After a lengthy application process in early September, the twelve students were selected by ASUA to represent the student body at the breakfast.

"They were a very diverse group of people," Aguilar said. "They represented many different parts of the student body."

Likins said he was impressed with the students, and he thought the group accomplished a lot.

"I thought it went very well. We were talking about leadership and what makes a person a good citizen," he said. "I praised their work with voter registration"

One of the main points discussed was the potential increase in tuition next year. However, according to Grant, the students understand the need for this action.

"He justified the argument for raising tuition very well," he said. "I wish the other students had the same opportunity that we did this morning

Tseng agreed that the raise in tuition is important.

"He explained that he felt that the tuition should be raised in order to help pay for the students who can't afford it," she said. "I personally agree, because I think education is so important."

Tseng said Likins was more concerned with educating UA students about the tuition hikes, rather than justifying them.

"He really focused on getting the information out to the student about the tuition raises, and why they are occurring," she said.

Sarah Becker, ASUA outreach and special events coordinator, said Likins impressed the students by talking on their level.

"He stressed that it is important for everybody to give a part of themselves to make the whole community better," she said. "He was very inspiring."

Aguilar said while the students were very comfortable with Likins, it helped he was the only UA official at the meeting.

"It was nice because there were no other administrators there," he said. "It showed those students how much he cares."