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Thank you, whomever
DKS Editors
Issue date: 4/20/09 Section: Opinion
Universities across the country are facing difficult times in light of the economic recession. Some universities, however, are getting $45 million in bailout money.
But this money isn't coming from state or federal government. It's coming from an anonymous donor.
The Associated Press reported that an anonymous donor gave $45 million to universities throughout the country, including $8 million to Purdue, $1.5 million to the University of North Carolina at Asheville, $7 million to the University of Iowa and $6 million each to the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of Maryland University College. The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs was given $5.5 million, Norfolk State University received $3.5 million and Penn State-Harrisburg received $3 million.
In order to accept the money, only one string was attached. The schools had simply to agree not to investigate the identity of the giver. Sure, it sounds a bit fishy. One school even checked with the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Homeland Security to make sure the donation was ... well, legal.
Although Kent State wasn't given any of this money, we can't help but laud this overwhelmingly generous gesture. Any person who gives to a university should be appreciated. As reported in the Stater earlier this semester, Kent State is on track to having its best fundraising year ever, which will undoubtedly help students weather this economic storm.
Attending college isn't something we should take for granted. It's easy to forget this simple fact sometimes, especially when we're overloaded with work and can barely find the time to eat or sleep. Even so, we should be appreciative of the opportunities college offers us. And because of this, we should appreciate the donors who make it possible.
At a time when government assistance is dwindling, Kent State is having to become more and more reliant on private donations. Clearly, Kent State could tighten its belt in a few areas (Perhaps President Lester Lefton's salary?), but we still need those donors. As for graduating seniors, you might not be able to donate a couple hundred dollars immediately after you walk the stage. Nonetheless, you may want to keep your alma mater in mind and donate to a particular area or program within the university that changed your life.
Donors across the country - including people like the multimillion dollar mystery donor - are making it possible for many of you to experience Kent State. So, show them you appreciate it. Write letters to your scholarship donors. But even if you don't have a scholarship, show the donors who make many things on this campus possible that you care. And there's one simple way to do this: Learn as much as you possibly can, and use your knowledge to make the world a better place.
The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board.
But this money isn't coming from state or federal government. It's coming from an anonymous donor.
The Associated Press reported that an anonymous donor gave $45 million to universities throughout the country, including $8 million to Purdue, $1.5 million to the University of North Carolina at Asheville, $7 million to the University of Iowa and $6 million each to the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of Maryland University College. The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs was given $5.5 million, Norfolk State University received $3.5 million and Penn State-Harrisburg received $3 million.
In order to accept the money, only one string was attached. The schools had simply to agree not to investigate the identity of the giver. Sure, it sounds a bit fishy. One school even checked with the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Homeland Security to make sure the donation was ... well, legal.
Although Kent State wasn't given any of this money, we can't help but laud this overwhelmingly generous gesture. Any person who gives to a university should be appreciated. As reported in the Stater earlier this semester, Kent State is on track to having its best fundraising year ever, which will undoubtedly help students weather this economic storm.
Attending college isn't something we should take for granted. It's easy to forget this simple fact sometimes, especially when we're overloaded with work and can barely find the time to eat or sleep. Even so, we should be appreciative of the opportunities college offers us. And because of this, we should appreciate the donors who make it possible.
At a time when government assistance is dwindling, Kent State is having to become more and more reliant on private donations. Clearly, Kent State could tighten its belt in a few areas (Perhaps President Lester Lefton's salary?), but we still need those donors. As for graduating seniors, you might not be able to donate a couple hundred dollars immediately after you walk the stage. Nonetheless, you may want to keep your alma mater in mind and donate to a particular area or program within the university that changed your life.
Donors across the country - including people like the multimillion dollar mystery donor - are making it possible for many of you to experience Kent State. So, show them you appreciate it. Write letters to your scholarship donors. But even if you don't have a scholarship, show the donors who make many things on this campus possible that you care. And there's one simple way to do this: Learn as much as you possibly can, and use your knowledge to make the world a better place.
The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Amanda
posted 4/20/09 @ 11:57 AM EST
This is an amazing gesture. I applaud whomever did this. It's a great feeling to know some people still want to help
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