Bagpipers Are Not the Only Ones Blowing Through AU...

A few weeks ago, I read about the potential mess that American University's President, Benjamin Ladner, is finding himself in these days. Given that it is my alma mater, I took a personal interest into what is happening with the allegations of his misuse of funds and the subsequent investigation into these allegations. The timing of this news caused me to recall the last weeks of the summer of 1990 when I was packing up to attend AU. Another scandal was bubbling over then.

The Washington Post reports that President Ladner has been placed on administrative leave pending an audit of his spending habits. This may put a wrinkle in the plan for him to meet and greet the new incoming freshman at the university's Opening Convocation tomorrow, which according to AU's website this morning, will allow parents and students to: "Join President Benjamin Ladner and the AU community as we open the academic year. Listen for the bagpipers as they process through campus to announce the start of the program." This event starts at 11 am. Sounds great!

Who knows? It may all work out for President Ladner. Look what happened with Professor Richard Berendzen . He may become a legend in his own time...