Indiana Alumni Magazine
Alumni Trustee Candidate Questionnaire

Name: Patrick "Pat" A. Shoulders

Currently employed as: Lawyer, Ziemer, Stayman, Weitzel & Shoulders

Birth date: 3/26/53

City/town of residence: Evansville

List academic degrees earned:
BA '75, Indiana University (English)
BA '78, Indiana University (Law)

List IU-related activities:
VP, IU Board of Trustees
Director, IU Foundation
Director, IU Varsity Club
Director, IU Center on Philanthropy
Past President, IU Alumni Association
Past President, COAS Alumni Board


List other relevant activities:
Recipient, Maynard Hine Modal – IUPUI
Recipient, Herman B Wells Leadership Award
Chair, IU Board of Trustees External Relations Committee; past chair, Academic
Excellence, Finance & Audit
Hoosier Hundred
Life Member, IUAA

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What do you consider three major issues facing Indiana University today?

1. Accessibility - We must ensure that every department (Athletics to Zoology) on every campus (Northwest to Southeast) attracts and retains outstanding and diverse faculty and students. A large percentage of our graduates should enrich the culture of every Indiana community.
2. Affordability - We have redirected available scholarship dollars and refocused fundraising to ensure that an IU education is within the financial reach of every Hoosier family. We must provide an excellent education at a reasonable cost to all deserving students.
3. Accountability - Record numbers of applications for admission, unsurpassed levels of faculty research grants and awards, and historic levels of voluntary gifts and support prove we are on the right path. There will be mistakes - there cannot be more embarrassment.

What should be the trustee's role and responsibility in addressing these issues?
Dr. Wells taught us the fundamental rule of university governance: “Select good people then get out of their way!” We have chosen a bold, innovative and decisive new President. He has announced an ambitious agenda to restore IU to greatness. The trustees should monitor and assist this progress.

What do you believe you can contribute to the board of trustees?
For more than 25 years I have worked to preserve and improve our beloved alma mater, thankful for the opportunities it afforded me. I will continue to insist upon excellence at each IU campus. I will remain passionate about IU’s future success. Contact me at www.PatShoulders.com.

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