Corbett receives cool reception at Millersville graduation. [View all]

[Divernan]

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/05/millersville_university_tom_co.html#incart_m-rpt-2

No one booed. But the graduates of Millersville University didn't exactly cheer Gov. Tom Corbett either Saturday.

. . . a major cause of contention on campus since Corbett was announced as the speaker. Students and faculty questioned how approprate it was for the governor who twice proposed massive funding cuts for state universities like Millersville to send graduates off into the world. Petitions were signed and there was talk of protest.

As Corbett stepped to the microphone, about a dozen students turned their chairs away from the stage. Early in his speech, the governor asked the graduates to stand. A few dozen more remained seated. When it became clear Corbett wanted them to wave to their parents in the stadium, some stood, some waved from their seats, some sat motionless. One student had "Game of Loans" written on her mortarboard.

About half of the faculty members wore yellow pins reading "I support public education." A few of the professors turned their chairs as well.

During the speech, the class of nearly 1,100 texted and flipped through thir programs. When Corbett finished, only a few of the new graduates applauded.

I liked the comments about how the robes hid his huge stomach, but it was evident the chins are multiplying - and another said he gained 15 lbs. on his boondoggle trip to South America.