BY MARTIN KICH

I initially became involved in AAUP because I was very impressed by Rudy Fichtenbaum’s and Jim Vance’s commitment to defending our colleagues’ right to fair treatment—by their commitment to the principles that I would come to recognize as the core principles of AAUP: academic freedom, shared governance, and economic security.

I recall saying to a friend, “Somebody really ought to start giving those guys a hand.” I wasn’t sure at all how I might contribute, or even if I had anything at all that was meaningful to contribute, but when I indicated my interest in trying to contribute, Rudy and Jim were immediately and enthusiastically welcoming.

I really had no idea how much work needed to be done and how few people end up trying to do the lion’s share of that work.

Well, as I glide more closely to retirement (some would say that “glide” is a euphemism, that “lurch’ might be more accurate), Rudy and Jim are still providing many examples of how to remain engaged, to continue to contribute.

In this post, I would like to highlight one of Rudy’s most recent efforts—his candidacy for a seat on the Board of Ohio’s State Teachers Retirement System. He would be the first former AAUP member and officer to hold a seat on the Board.