One silent moment opened the Board of Governors meeting Oct. 21.

Elizabeth Deffenbaugh, Board president, dedicated the moment to the passing of Dr. Pat Cassens, professor of mathematics, John Ware, head football coach and Jeremy Kushner, percussion instructor.

“We are very thankful for their service on campus,” Deffenbaugh said. “We extend our sympathies out to their families.”

After the moment of silence, the Board continued with its normal agenda.

One presentation for the Board involved the renovation of the Mission Hills Mansion on campus.

Lee Pound, alumni director, gave the presentation.

“The mansion will serve as the center piece for the campus,” she said.

The plans for the renovations will include a full restoration of the outside of the building as well as opening up and restoring the inside of the Mansion to its original state.

She said there is currently $660,000 pledged to the project.

The renovation is projected to have a cost of more than $1.2 million.

Currently, the worst problems affecting the building are leaks in the roof and windows, as well as cracks and weather damage.

“When I came here in 1969, my office was in this building,” said University President Julio León. “It means a lot to a lot of people, and it means a lot to me.”

The Board viewed a Powerpoint presentation including floor plans and architect renditions of the final project.

Another discussion came from Dr. Terri Agee, vice president for business affairs.

She discussed the new administrative software being implemented by SunGuard STG.

“We have hit the ground running, and the momentum has already started to pick up,” she said.

The student representative on the Board also had several things to discuss.

Eric Norris, Student Senate president, gave an overview of Senate projects.

He said he was impressed with the Homecoming events.

“It really gave me a sense of pride the way the campus came together that quickly after what happened,” Norris said.

He said the Senate was still backing the building and research into a recreation center on campus.

“It is our duty to express support of that,” Norris said.

He asked Agee about the progress of the rec center.

She said the University is currently pursuing outside funds.

Norris also had several compliments for Manowar Ahmed, director of food services, and his staff.

“They are doing a great job,” Norris said. “He’s open minded and listens to students. He’s working really hard to do some special things on that side of campus and this side.”

Norris also said Senate participation was up, and students were working alongside faculty members on various committees.

The Board discussed as a whole several changes to the bylaws. The changes were made for clarifications, spelling and grammar corrections.

León also discussed several things occurring on campus.

He said the University has already begun searching for a replacement for Ware.

“We are going to do it as exponentially as possible,” he said. “The conditions have changed from two years ago. Last time the cup was empty. We are already getting calls.”

He said the search should be completed in time for the next season’s practice.

“I’m sure we’re going to get plenty of good candidates,” León said.