U of R head didn’t deserve attacks

I found the letter by Robert Hilderman (June 23) very offensive.

He begins by praising the beauty of Wascana Park which all citizens would agree with, but then he attacks the president of the University of Regina for no apparent reason.

Dr. Vianne Timmons has given outstanding service to the university and the city under extremely difficult financial circumstances: Year-by-year reductions in operating grants, clawbacks and withdrawal of promised capital funding.

She and her administrative team, along with the federated colleges (Luther, Campion and FNUC), have used their best business management skills to maintain a balanced budget all the while sustaining the teaching and research missions of the university even as enrolments grow.

President Timmons managed to save the College Avenue Campus and Darke Hall from the wrecker’s ball when the province reneged on promised funding.

This campus offers services (Conservatory of Performing Arts, career and professional development courses, distance education courses, lifelong learning programs, and English as a second language) to about 8,000 learners per year.

The ongoing success of post-secondary education in Regina depends on this facility.

Dr. Timmons is to be commended for her visionary and expert leadership.

Verda Petry, Regina

Petry is former chancellor and member of the U of R senate