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FineArtRegistry
Joined: 20 Aug 2007
Posts: 476
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 Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 4:21 pm Post subject: Honorary Degrees for Sale at Central Michigan University |
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What does Central Michigan University, Albert Scaglione, Park West Gallery, Jeff Caponigro (Chair of CMU's Board of Trustees) and Caponigro Public Relations, Inc. have in common? Well, let's take a look.
At the end of December 2008, Park West Gallery announced via a press release that its CEO, Albert Scaglione, had received an honorary doctorate of “Commercial Science” degree from Central Michigan University. It was also reported that Scaglione delivered a commencement speech to graduates.
The press release was distributed by Park West Gallery’s PR firm, Caponigro Public Relations, Inc. and reads in relevant part, as follows:
| Quote: | Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Park West Gallery is one of the world’s largest art dealers, selling approximately 300,000 works of art each year and employing more than 700 people.
“It is a great honor to be selected by Central Michigan University to speak to graduating seniors and help inspire them to pursue their dreams,” said Scaglione. “I also am deeply grateful to receive an honorary degree by one of Michigan’s premier educational institutions.”
CMU Board of Trustees Chairman Jeff Caponigro said, “Albert Scaglione is an inspiring success story – an entrepreneur who has had the vision and determination to create one of the most successful businesses in Michigan.” |
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Let’s take a closer look at the facts:
The press release was distributed by Park West Gallery’s hired gun and PR spin doctor, Caponigro Public Relations, Inc. The very same PR company that was involved in distributing untrue and defamatory statements concerning Fine Art Registry and other professionals. See this Fine Art Registry Press Release.
Our research indicates that Albert Scaglione has donated more than $1 million dollars to Central Michigan University. (Perhaps the donation to CMU consisted of a million dollars in Park West Gallery art.)
We discovered that Albert Scaglione is listed on the Central Michigan University Honor Roll of Donors and is referenced as a “Pinnacle Member” of the Central Michigan University's “The Bell Tower Society.” This distinction requires over $1 million dollars in donations. Albert Scaglione's name is clearly referenced under the heading "Pinnacle Member". And, just below that is another category titled "Milestone Members" which requires donations of at least $500,000 to $999,999. What do we see listed under this heading? Well, none other than Caponigro Public Relations, Inc. But don't take our word for it. See it for yourself here in the Winter issue of centralight, Central Michigan University Alumni Magazine.
Jeff Caponigro who is prominently quoted in the press release above is the Chairman of Central Michigan University’s Board of Trustees.
Jeff Caponigro is also President and CEO of Caponigro Public Relations Inc. whose company is also employed by Park West Gallery as its PR firm.
What a cozy little arrangement:
--CMU receives at least $1.5 million from Scaglione & Caponigro.
--Jeff Caponigro sits as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CMU.
--Jeff Caponigro is also CEO of Caponigro Public Relations, Inc.
--Jeff Caponigro and his PR firm work for Park West Gallery.
--And Park West Gallery and Albert Scaglione are in a bit of PR hot water.
--Jeff Caponigro in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of CMU helps to approve an honorary degree for the Park West & Caponigro PR scheme, thereby killing two birds with one stone. We wonder how much Caponigro was paid by Park West Gallery to make this little arrangement happen at the University? No matter. There can be little doubt that Jeff Caponigro used the university and his position to gain credibility for Scaglione.
--The whole affair was approved and packaged up into a nice little PR spot for Park West Gallery's CEO Albert Scaglione, courtesy Caponigro Public Relations, Inc.
Wouldn't it be fun to know how this whole arrangement came about?
And as along as we are discussing this whole silly mess, what the heck is an Honorary Degree anyway?
| Quote: | a. An honorary degree[1] or a degree honoris causa (Latin: 'for the sake of the honour') is an academic degree for which a university (or other degree-awarding institution) has waived the usual requirements (such as matriculation, residence, study and the passing of examinations). The degree itself is typically a doctorate or, less commonly, a master's degree, and may be awarded to someone who has no prior connection with the institution in question.
Usually the degree is conferred as a way of honoring a distinguished visitor's contributions to a specific field, or to society in general. The university often derives benefits by association with the person in question.
Source: Wikipedia |
You might also be asking yourself at this point, what the heck is a “Commercial Science” degree? Well, it's an "Honorary Degree," of course.
Turning again to Wikipedia regarding the controversy surrounding 'honorary degrees' we found the following:
| Quote: | Some universities and colleges have been accused of granting honorary degrees in exchange for large donations. Honorary degree recipients, particularly those who have no prior academic qualifications, have sometimes been criticized if they insist on being called “Doctor” as a result of their award, as the honorific may mislead the general public about their qualifications.
Source: Wikipedia |
The timing of this event is highly suspect, especially in light of Caponigro's involvement. One wonders just what Central Michigan University is up to and does the President of the school really know what’s going on here?
Isn't this just more gobbledygook and PR spin bought and paid for by Park West Gallery?
We think the whole thing stinks, but you can be the judge.
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