This year's elected student representative on the 10-member University Council drew headlines in the student paper and touched off controversy with the Council chair and administrators, all before setting foot in a University Council meeting.

Before the meeting, Pierce had said he would use legal action to force a proposed resolution onto the Sept. 21 agenda. "It is my right as a full member of the Council. New York Education law makes the elected student representative a full, voting member of the University Council, with the same parliamentary rights as those extended to appointed members," said Pierce. Ultimately, the council did consider Pierce's resolution and referred it to the Student Life Committee.

Controversy is not new to Pierce. In fact, he says it reminds him of his first go-around as student representative on the University Council 15 years ago.

A lifelong Buffalo resident, Pierce graduated from UB with a B.A. in history in 1980. After careers in social work and teaching, he has returned to earn a second degree in English and his dual teaching certification. He was twice elected student representative on the council between 1978 and 1980.