2008 Woodie Awards
University, community remember Plachta
By: Lindsay Knake
Issue date: 2/11/08 Section: News
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The former student and Student Government Association president and alumna recalled the first time she met Plachta during freshman orientation, when he sat down and spoke with her and her mother.
"It didn't matter who you were - he was going to take the time to talk to you," Sytsema said Sunday at Plachta's memorial celebration in Warriner Hall's Plachta Auditorium.
Sytsema worked with Plachta frequently while she served as SGA President from 1995 through 1997.
"He always valued and didn't dismiss what I had to say," she said.
Each of the nine speakers at the Leonard E. Plachta Memorial Celebration remembered how the former president treated everyone with respect. University President Michael Rao recalled Plachta's warm personality.
"I remember most, Leonard's hearty and contagious laugh," he said.
Rao also remembered Plachta's hard work as president.
"Plachta changed the direction of the university," Rao said. "He was a bold person who took lots of chances."
Plachta was CMU's 11th president. He died Jan. 22.
Aside from the major accomplishments Plachta achieved during his tenure as president, speakers said he also will be remembered for his concern for students.
"He delighted in interacting with the students," said Janet Wagester, executive assistant to the President Emerita.
In remembering Plachta's legacy at CMU, several speakers recalled the contributions of Plachta's wife, Louise. Both Plachta's supported the arts and consistently attended student performances.
"It was wonderful. ... Sytsema's reminiscing was pure Leonard," said Mount Pleasant resident Nancy Fox.
A live jazz quartet greeted approximately 100 guests who attended the event.
"I thought it was very nice," said Mary Jane Flanagan, executive assistant to the President. "The speeches were wonderful. It was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man."
Plachta was president of CMU from 1992 to 2000. He came to CMU as a temporary faculty member in 1971. Eventually, Plachta became the assistant dean and later dean of the College of Business Administration before assuming the presidency. The auditorium in Warriner Hall was named for him and his wife in 2000.
Plachta is remembered for several contributions to CMU, including the construction of the Student Activity Center, the Dow Science Complex and the Music Building.
The speakers recalled his professionalism, loyalty and, according to John Scheffler, CMU Broadcasting Director of Radio, a "voice that could certainly rattle a bass woofer."
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