Portraits, special ceremonies, emeritus status and massive payouts are just a few of the perks some ex-presidents receive—no matter what kind of upheaval they leave behind.
Lou Anna K. Simon and Graham Spanier are arguably among the most controversial U.S. college presidents to have served in recent years. Both left their institutions—Michigan State University and Pennsylvania State University, respectively—under a cloud cast by predatory sex-abuse scandals that took place on their watch.
But despite their tarnished reputations, neither is a stranger to the campus they unceremoniously departed. And their persona non grata status among many campus constituents hasn’t stopped their prior employers from honoring them. Among other things, both carry president emeritus status at their respective institutions.
Simon—who narrowly avoided criminal charges for allegedly lying to investigators about what she knew regarding the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal—recently received a presidential portrait at Michigan State that was unveiled in a private ceremony. The portrait, if not the ceremony, was part of her exit agreement, which also listed a litany of other perks, including lifetime benefits for Simon and her husband ranging from health care to technical support, according to a copy of the exit agreement provided by Michigan State.
The Present One is Disgraced !!!!