As far as I heard, Padilla was a talking head at this point and the board was handling all major decisions until the end of the fall term
In any event, Padilla will still be the face of the University at the Donor's breakfast at Homecoming (Oct 25)
Additionally, unless the Board has done something uncommon and has key administrators (like marketing/recruiting) reporting directly to them, these key administrators are reporting to Padilla. Thus, he is setting their objectives, setting how their performance is measured, and assessing their performance - as well as approving their initiatives, etc.
I am really tempted to go to the Donor's breakfast and then stand up and ask Padilla and board members why he is still President when he has failed in almost every key deliverable (if not all key deliverables). I won't, but am certainly tempted.
Is that the “President’s Breakfast for Benefactors and Scholars – Invitation Only”? My invite must be lost in the mail… just as well, I’ve missed a few years of giving and don’t think I’ll restart with a $20 breakfast buffet.
Is that the “President’s Breakfast for Benefactors and Scholars – Invitation Only”? My invite must be lost in the mail… just as well, I’ve missed a few years of giving and don’t think I’ll restart with a $20 breakfast buffet.
Yes. The giving level was $1000 but may have increased. As for the $20 ticket, that is new to me. A couple of years ago, the last time I attended, the meal for free but a $10 fee for guests. Valpo's really tightening their belt! 
Great. He will stand up there as smug as ever completely devoid of the thought that he continued to bury the university with his unrealistic projections and expectations. And the problem is the senior citizens in the crowd will not hold his feet to the fire.
it is indeed a headscratcher to have him speak to alumni. A homecoming "celebration" should feature a celebrated speaker. A guest speaker.
It just doesn't line up with celebratory mood even if the functional parts of the job are being performed. If a tough=minded local reporter sneaks in (they like to sneak into buffets), he could ask, "Mr. President, in which of these eight areas did Valpo improve in tne three years since Homecoming 2022? (Take the oddball Covid years out).
And what was the percent improvement in the ones that improved?" The answer likely to be a short one?
BIG EIGHT
Enrollment
Gift income from donors
Stability of top executives (# departed per year)
Budget deficit
Endowment spending rate
Bond rating for new borrowing
Faculty hired
Programs eliminated
Key phrase is “ tough minded”. Not in Valpo
BIG EIGHT
Enrollment DOWN
Gift income from donors DOWN
Stability of top executives (# departed per year) DOWN
Budget deficit UP
Endowment spending rate UP
Bond rating for new borrowing DOWN
Faculty hired ??? (not the president’s jurisdiction)
Programs eliminated MANY
Quite a legacy.
