2008 Woodie Awards
Notes from the Editor in Chief
Dylan Breslin-Barnhart
Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: Opinions
I feel like Pacino in Godfather III; "I thought I was out and they pulled me right back in!" I thought I was out of things at Union to complain about but, without fail, they pulled me right back in. Everything was fine until I read the email to seniors about our three options for the class gift. Here's the problem: we get to choose between (1) "Landscaping the walkway to College Park Hall (ie: benches, greenery, plaques...);" (2) "The Sustainability Fund (making Union a greener, more environmentally friendly campus, something one of our fellow seniors initiated here at Union);" and (3) "Unrestricted Annual Fund, where money collected will go where it is most needed on campus." This is simply not enough choice, and the characteristics of each of the three options suggest that we're actually selecting one option rather than choosing between three.
What do I mean? Options Two and Three are so generally worded that they seem to be in very vague concept-stages whereas Option One is simple, tangible, and a more typical gift. I doubt very many of us will vote for Option Two and donate our money to programs Union has already initiated or vote for Option Three and contribute cash for Union to do with as it sees fit. As a result I bet the Class of 2008 will be beautifying the walk to College Park.
While not an inappropriate gift, we should be able to select from more than just one tangible option. Here's one idea I'd vote for: start an annual Class of 2008 Scholarship awarded to a rising junior who has demonstrated campus leadership, academic excellence, and personal integrity. The college faculty could nominate students and vote on the recipient. The Class of 2008 would maintain the scholarship with annual contributions.
It may be too late now to do anything about our lack of gift options. Hopefully the junior class is listening so they lobby harder to avoid the same predicament.
Dylan Breslin-Barnhart
Editor in Chief
What do I mean? Options Two and Three are so generally worded that they seem to be in very vague concept-stages whereas Option One is simple, tangible, and a more typical gift. I doubt very many of us will vote for Option Two and donate our money to programs Union has already initiated or vote for Option Three and contribute cash for Union to do with as it sees fit. As a result I bet the Class of 2008 will be beautifying the walk to College Park.
While not an inappropriate gift, we should be able to select from more than just one tangible option. Here's one idea I'd vote for: start an annual Class of 2008 Scholarship awarded to a rising junior who has demonstrated campus leadership, academic excellence, and personal integrity. The college faculty could nominate students and vote on the recipient. The Class of 2008 would maintain the scholarship with annual contributions.
It may be too late now to do anything about our lack of gift options. Hopefully the junior class is listening so they lobby harder to avoid the same predicament.
Dylan Breslin-Barnhart
Editor in Chief
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