Shirvani responds: Which college president did what?

Regarding "Hughes: Don't let Shirvani take undue credit" (Tuesday): I read with curiosity and dismay Tuesday's article by Marvalene Hughes, former president of California State University, Stanislaus, whom I was appointed to replace eight years ago.

She stated that I have claimed responsibility for funding and construction of the Science Building, which was designed and under construction during her tenure but was completed during my presidency.

Here are the facts: When Hughes left, I assumed full responsibility for carrying out the Science Building's construction, which was completed two years into my presidency. Hughes may have asked for money from the Naraghi family to name the building in honor of their father, but nothing came of that effort until I met with Mr. Naraghi himself (upon his invitation) and secured $2 million, which was placed at my discretion.

Finally, to be perfectly clear, I was responsible for the completion of a 115,000-square-foot, $57 million sciences laboratory building.

In addition, I initiated and received overwhelming support from the student government to build a $17.5 million sports complex, which was completed in 2009; completed a 14,000-square-foot bookstore through the university's auxiliary enterprise; and secured $17 million of state funding for renovation-upgrade of the Science I building.

Obviously, I know how to get things done that improve the institutions for which I work. It's ironic that Hughes is raising the matter at this time — eight years later — and for what purpose and on whose behalf?

If Hughes believes that I misrepresented myself, then perhaps she might as well accuse me of making false claims for having designed, built, and funded the Brooklyn Bridge. That, too, would be equally silly and facetious on her part.

HAMID SHIRVANI

Bismarck, N.D.