Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1952 [PAGE 1212]

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

1309

ary 31, 1952, with the understanding that he will be relieved of his duties as of January I, 1952, and granted his month's vacation with pay. It is appropriate to note that since Professor Danforth became Director in January, 1949, much has been accomplished in making Robert AUerton Park and Allerton House the successful, living program which was envisaged when this splendid facility became the property of the University.

On motion of Mr. Herrick, this resignation was accepted.

CLAIM OF ALONZO FITZGERALD (20) While employed as a janitor by the Physical Plant Department, Alonzo Fitzgerald, on September 16, 1943, was assisting in carrying a heavy box of pamphlets down the stairs in the Administration Building (E). He claims that he suddenly experienced a very severe pain in his back which caused him to drop his end of the box and to fall. Since then he has from time to time experienced episodes of severe pains in his back frequently extending to one or both legs. He has frequently received medical care and treatment both in Urbana-Champaign and in the Research and Educational Hospitals in Chicago, including one operation at the latter in 1949. The University paid medical and hospital bills of $435.66 and compensation of $308.40. Recently Fitzgerald left the University's employ, claiming that his physical condition is such that he is unable to do physical labor of the type assigned to him at the University. He asserts that his back trouble was caused by the fall in 1943. His attorney has placed claims for further medical treatment, hospitalization, and compensation and has made it plain that unless a settlement is received, he will institute proceedings under the Workmen's Compensation Act. The Committee on Accident Compensation has reached the conclusion that the sum of $2,500 should be offered in full settlement of all claims against the University, coupled with a full and complete release therefor. Fitzgerald has indicated that he will accept such a settlement if it is made in the near future. The Committee recommends, therefore, that a settlement be authorized on this basis and an appropriation be made for the amount required. I concur and recommend approval.

On motion of Mr. Johnston, the settlement recommended was authorized, and an appropriation of $2,500 was made from the General Reserve Fund for this purpose by the following vote: Aye, Mr. Grange, Mr. Herrick, Mr. Hickman, Mrs. Holt, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Megran, Mr. Nickell, Mrs. Watkins; no, none; absent, Mr. Fornof, Mr. Stevenson.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON TELEVISION

Mr. Livingston, Chairman of the special Committee on Television appointed by the Board on September 19, 1951, reported that the Committee had held meetings on October 18 and November 23, 1951.

At its initial meeting, the Committee agreed that the University should take all appropriate measures to secure a channel for the operation of a television station in the Urbana-Champaign area and should proceed with plans for the construction of such a station. It was also the judgment of the Committee that consideration should be given to the question of standing on the present application for the channel already tentatively allocated by the Federal Communications Commission for a non-commercial, educational station in the Urbana-Champaign area as against revising the application to request assignment of the channel without restriction regarding its commercial use. The Committee also requested its faculty advisers to study and report on these points: Sources of funds to support telecasting of educational programs. Should the University attempt to fill time or otherwise secure iunds by scheduling commercial programs along with educational programs r Data on the cost per year on the operating of a television station. Sample educational programs showing how a full day's time could be utilized by the University in- the operation of a television station.