MU Curators to Rename Sports Arena
Columbia Missourian, Thursday, November 25, 2004
By Ginger Lopez

Some Norm Stewart fans oppose the Mizzou Arena proposal

Mizzou Arena could become the new moniker for MU’s new basketball building, but 
the label is already drawing opposition from state Sen.-elect Chuck Graham and 
Tiger basketball fans who want the arena named after longtime MU basketball 
coach Norm Stewart.

The University of Missouri Board of Curators will vote at 2 p.m. Friday on 
whether to name the building Mizzou Arena.  A resolution calling for the name 
change has been drafted by MU Chancellor Brady Deaton and endorsed by UM 
President Elson Floyd.

After issuing a news release Wednesday and urging university officials to name 
the building for Stewart, Graham later expressed reservations about Mizzou 
Arena.

“My initial concern is that they’re picking something generic in order to sell 
naming rights later,” Graham said, “The people and fans of this state would like 
to see it named for Norm Stewart.”

Curator Don Walsworth said he has heard suggestions that the arena be named in 
honor of Stewart, the late Gov. Mel Carnahan or the late Gen. Omar Bradley.  But 
he likes the idea that’s on the table.

“I am very much in favor of naming it Mizzou Arena,” Walsworth said.

“This is a subject that has brought a great deal of concern, and the boards 
feels it necessary to clarify the situation,” UM Spokesman Joe Moore said, “This 
is the recommendation of MU administrators.”

Graham said naming Faurot Field after former football coach Don Faurot was a 
good decision, and Norma Stewart should be given the same honor.

“Don Faurot was MU football; he was the best coach the football team ever had, 
and I think the same could be said for Norm Stewart,” he said.  “My initial 
reaction to (Mizzou Arena) is that it is about as inspiring as the season so 
far.”

MU is searching for a new name for the arena since Bill and Nancy Laurie, who 
contributed $25 million toward its construction and then named the building 
after their daughter, Elizabeth Paige, relinquished naming rights on Tuesday.  
That decision followed ABC’s “20/20” report on Friday in which Paige Laurie’s 
former roommate, Elena Martinez, said she was paid $20,000 over three years to 
write dozens of papers for Laurie at the University of Southern California.

USC sanction guidelines state that the punishment for submitting purchased 
papers done by others is a failing grade in the course and a recommendation for 
further disciplinary action.

“Simply put, we are going to talk to Miss Laurie and Miss Martinez and 
understand the truth of what is going on,” USC Vice President for Student 
Affairs Michael Jackson said Wednesday.

USC rules regarding academic dishonesty include a review by the Office of 
Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards, which could lead to revocation 
of the degree.  The review also allows students defending themselves against 
allegations to be represented by an adviser, who can be a licensed or practicing 
attorney.

Jackson said the Laurie case is unique.  “I don’t know of anywhere in American 
that can thwart such a diabolical scheme,” he said.

“We try to recruit good students that have strong academic values, “he said.  
“You have to trust that these persons will have a certain level or integrity and 
trustworthiness, and we reinforce that in any way we possibly can.”