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On Sunday - the University of Oregon went public on its goal of seeking donations in record form - 600 million. The univeristy's own press release calls it "the most ambitious in state history".
"The University of Oregon has a long and proud tradition of competing with the best, but competing is not enough -- we must excel," said Frohnmayer, who made the announcement at news conferences in Eugene and Portland. "Our future is our choice, and we choose distinction. That is the mission of Campaign Oregon. We have a very ambitious goal for the dollars we seek in this campaign and an even more ambitious goal in the legacy we hope to leave: a great university for Oregon for generations to come."
"Our generous alumni and friends are making an extraordinary investment in the future of our university and our state," said Campaign Chair Randy Pape of Eugene. "Campaign Oregon is a plan for greatness. Its goal is to raise $600 million to provide the investment capital for the highest quality education, and I am honored to be associated with this university and its quest for excellence."
Campaign Vice Chair Tim Boyle of Portland added that the success of the campaign so far shows that "the University of Oregon has a group of visionary supporters who can see that the university is poised for great leaps forward in teaching, research and service and who are willing to contribute their own resources to make that happen."
Was it in fact a "visionary supporter" who was say "anti-war/anti-American" who then decided to complain to the administration about the harmless magnetic ribbon that had been attached to the vehicle?
Was it a "visionary supporter" who made threats of withholding a "significant" gift concerning the "Campaign Oregon: Transforming Lives"
And if these visionary supporters are behind the efforts of "transforming lives" - what are they transforming them into?
I know how this game is played. I have worked in the donor side of the university campus. I have seen how large organizations do sometimes bend to the pressure of "significant gifts" possibly being withheld. I have seen the effects of "visionary supporters" and the power that comes with their "visionary support".
Because of the University of Oregon's unwillingness to "Support the Troops", and because of the unbalanced tilt that "visionary supporters" seem to possibly be exerting...I have no problem at all calling for the end of Federal Funding to the University's coffers.
They are certainly entitled to lay down whatever rules they wish to make for their organization's operation. But the Federal government is also allowed to determine which universities and institutions they be the most effective in helping.
Seems like reviewing the priorities in the case of the University of Oregon might be in order.
