The long talked about proposed 5% tax on all donations made to anything related to NC State University seems to have been approved by the Board of Trustees. At least that’s what in the draft minutes coming out of the NCSU Board of Trustees meetings of April 15 and 16.
The draft minutes, supplied by the NCSU Office of Legal Affairs as a result of a public records request, must be approved by the BOT at its next meeting, but for all intents and purposes, the tax, which is being called an assessment fee, is a done deal which brings up several questions, which have been asked of those who should know but who are not responding.
But, before the questions are posed in this space, let’s get you to this point in a quick summary. Quoting and paraphrasing from the draft minutes from a report by the BOT Development Committee to the full BOT:
“…the committee was updated on capital fundraising projects and year-to-date fundraising results. Gift receipts are down 9% from last year at this time, and gifts and new commitments are down 16%. Efforts are being made to increase fundraising activity with alumni, and there are over $32 million in solicitations scheduled to occur before the end of the fiscal year.”
“…the committee discussed at length how to fund the staffing and operations needed to prepare the University for its next campaign and also discussed how to successfully implement a gift assessment fee. A task force has been established to review a gift assessment fee, and this task force will make recommendations to the Vice Chancellor of University Advancement (Nevin Kessler) and the Chancellor (Randy Woodson).”
“…given the importance of the decision regarding the assessment fee to the entire University, it would be helpful to Chancellor Woodson to have the support of the entire Board of Trustees.”
At that point in the BOT meeting a motion was made and seconded “to support a one-time gift fee of 5% with 2% going to the unit that attracted the gift and 3% going to the central advancement organization. The motion carried unanimously.”
So, based on those draft minutes and the passing of the motion, questions have been posed to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and to the Chairman of the Development Committee. Neither has replied. Questions were not posed to Vice Chancellor Kessler, who should know because it’s his policy, because there is no way on God’s Green Earth that he would reply. Here are the questions:
—When does this policy start?
—Does this assessment cover all financial gifts to NC State University and related organizations including the Wolfpack Club (Student Aid Association)?
—Is the fee within the donation or is the donor required to make an additional donation to cover it?
—How does this affect a tax deduction related to the donation, especially if part of the donation is specifically going to support the regular operations of the University and not to the cause for which it is intended?
—Why use the wording that says “with 2% going to the unit that attracted the gift”? Why not just assess 3% of the gift for Advancement?
—Are there any exceptions? For instance, if $3 million is pledged and/or donated to build the clubhouse at the golf course but only if that full amount is applied completely to the project will the stipulation be granted?
—With gift receipts down 9% from last year this time and overall gifts and new commitments down 16%, and with the Advancement office getting more funding to reverse this trend and actually exceed deficit giving, will the Trustees constantly review the efforts of that department to make sure the additional revenue to Advancement is being used properly and profitably?
—In the draft minutes, it is said that “a task force has been established to review a gift assessment fee, and that task force will make recommendations to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and the Chancellor.” Is this something different from the motion that authorizes the 5% assessment?
—Does this assessment apply to current pledges pending actual donations?
—How will this be applied to gifts in kind? If some wants to donate benches, tables, and other items to the golf course or another department, how will the assessment be handled?
—Will there be regular reports available to show how many actual dollars are being added to University Advancement and how it is being spent?
The desire of NC State University to raise more money from private funding is very much appreciated, especially in tough economic times and as the North Carolina legislature is working on a budget that reduces funding. Based on annual donations to NC State University, I expect really great things from University Advancement and not just additional staff, desks and computers. I trust that the BOT will keep its eye on the prize.
Hopefully, the BOT did not just take the word of Kessler for the need for the new policy but considered many other avenues for funding that office. Please understand that opposition to this tax has more to do with the person who will have his hand on the money. He’s not credible based on a blatant lie he told last fall. If he lied about something as simple as why he fired Lennie Barton, to what lengths will he go to gain more money for the operation of his department?
That’s another question that needs to be answered. If anyone has that answer as well as answers to the other questions, your response is welcomed. Otherwise, this new policy, this 5% assessment fee, will be taxation without complete explanation.
Showing posts with label Wolfpack Club. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wolfpack Club. Show all posts
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Search Begins for Wolfpack Athletics Director
So the search begins for a replacement for Lee Fowler, NC State University Director of Athletics who was ousted from his job by former temporary NCSU chancellor James Woodward, the same guy who last fall fired Lennie Barton from his post as Executive Director of the school’s Alumni Association.
Woodward did in Barton after a brief discussion with Vice Chancellor of Advancement Nevin Kessler (yes, that’s his real name for those who think I’ve been making it up). One must wonder to whom Woodward listened before he gave the boot to Fowler.
Woodward had a lot of guts and gumption to remove two long-time University employees in such a brief time in his position. Usually, temporary hires just fill space until the permanent replacement arrives, but Woodward, with the blessing of UNC System President Erskine Bowles, took charge and did the nasty with Barton and Fowler.
If you haven’t heard (and for what it’s worth), I objected to the Barton firing. I have mixed reactions—breaking out in hives one moment and losing sleep in another—but not mixed emotions (none really) to the letting go of Fowler who seemed like a stand-up guy in some ways but who didn’t have a the wherewithal to make really tough decisions when it came to administering athletics, especially when dealing with coaches, hiring and firing. He was also too low-key with the fans.
One of those “I must admit he did a good job” thoughts though comes around when I think of his hiring of Kellie Harper as head basketball coach for the Wolfpack women, giving her the job instead of retaining loyalist Stephanie Glance. While I never met Stephanie, I think the hire of Harper was perfect for NC State. Harper brings to the program a fire and a determination that Glance, a long time assistant to Kay Yow, could not, at least in my humble opinion.
Having a nice program is not what it’s all about in college athletics. Having a nice, winning program with a positive approach and engaging attitude has been and remains the right idea. And, I believe this “change” in the women’s leadership was the right move. Give credit to Fowler for that, among many other things including to agree to improve facilities. (He messed up, though, when he didn’t want the golf course as an athletics department facility.)
But, someone got to Woodward, which stills remains an amazing mystery to me, because he would have never fired Barton if someone—Kessler—had not gotten to Woodward. I believe this confirms my suspicion that for all the firm things he did, Woodward was easily swayed to do other things, and without regret, even lying to some NCSU Alumni. Someone on the Board of Trustees or someone with deep, deep financial pockets must have gotten to Woodward and convinced him to fire Fowler. Come to think of it, Woodward wanted the 5% tax on donations for University Advancement, didn’t he? Money talks and those who disagree walk.
New Chancellor Randy Woodson, who told The News & Observer that Woodward gave Fowler the boot on March 23, has taken the next steps in finding Fowler’s replacement. According to The N&O, “Woodson said he has begun conversations with several (athletics head-hunter) firms and expects that the university could decide on one to hire in the next few days.”
From the Ripley Department: Believe it or not, one of those firms in the discussion might include former Wolfpack Athletics Director Todd Turner, who headed NC State athletics for six years (1990-96) and left NC State for Vanderbilt where he stayed until 2003. Then, when Vanderbilt dismantled the athletics program and put it under an academic department, Turner ended up as AD for the Washington Huskies from which he “resigned,” leaving the Seattle area school in February 2008.
Since August 2008, Todd, who I admittedly know and consider a friend (though after this he may not have a mutual feeling), joined Winston-Salem NC based ISP Sports, one of the nation’s top college sports marketing firms. ISP holds the radio broadcast rights to lots and lots of colleges for football and basketball, including Duke and Wake Forest. It also has television programming distribution. With its expansive contacts in college athletics, it is only natural for ISP to get into the intercollegiate “head-hunting” business. If ISP is the firm chosen by Woodson, Turner could be part of the search process, contacting possible candidates.
The process, though, formally began Wednesday when Chancellor Woodson appointed a 13-member search committee, naming former Raleigh Mayor Smedes York, who played basketball at State when Everett Case was coach, as chairman of the 13-person group which reportedly will submit names of three candidates to Woodson for his final selection.
In addition to York, the search panel includes, in alphabetical order:
—Steve Carlton, NCSU Crime Prevention Officer and chair of the NCSU Staff Senate;
—Derick Close, former NCSU trustee, currently member of the Board of Directors of the Wolfpack Club, and brother-in-law of UNC System President Erskine Bowles;
—Eileen Goldgeier, NCSU vice chancellor and general counsel, who just recently was named to that University position after serving in a similar capacity at UNC-Wilmington and who is a turtle sitter/watcher at Carolina Beach;
—Kellie Harper, NCSU women’s basketball coach;
—Kelly Hook, NCSU student body president;
—David Horning, NCSU senior associate athletics director who played football at NC State many, many years ago;
—Charles Leffler, NCSU vice chancellor finance and business;
—Dr. Margery Overton, NCSU professor of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering and chair of the NCSU faculty senate and who is also one of my many first cousins (her father, Jimmy Overton, a golf professional who taught me to play golf, and my mother, Annie Laurie Overton Pomeranz, are/were brother and sister (both deceased), and my father, Robert E. Pomeranz, NCSU ’43 (deceased) is/was Margery’s godfather);
—Dr. Sam Pardue, Head of the NCSU Poultry Science Department and NCSU faculty athletics representative;
—Ray Rouse, president, NCSU Student Aid Association (The Wolfpack Club);
—Steve Warren, member of the NCSU Board of Trustees and a member of the Board of Directors of the NCSU Alumni Association; and
—Cassius Williams, member of the NCSU Board of Trustees.
Woodson says he will meet with this group next Monday to actually begin the search and that maybe by that time he’ll have decided on a search firm to look far and wide for candidates. The goal is to have a new Athletics Director by the end of the summer or possibly by the end of July. Fowler’s last day is June 30th.
If necessary, Woodson will appoint an interim Athletics Director to fill the gap between June 30th and the hiring of a new AD. It’s doubtful that interim person will be Woodward, at least let’s hope not because there’s a chance someone in the Athletics Department would get Woodward’s ear and no telling whose job would be in jeopardy. Stay tuned.
----------
Poll Question:
Just concluded: Voter registration affiliations? Results: 64% Republican; 20% Independent; 8% Democratic; and, 8% other.
New question: What is your primary source for news? Newspaper; television; radio; internet; word of mouth? Look in the upper right corner of this page.
Woodward did in Barton after a brief discussion with Vice Chancellor of Advancement Nevin Kessler (yes, that’s his real name for those who think I’ve been making it up). One must wonder to whom Woodward listened before he gave the boot to Fowler.
Woodward had a lot of guts and gumption to remove two long-time University employees in such a brief time in his position. Usually, temporary hires just fill space until the permanent replacement arrives, but Woodward, with the blessing of UNC System President Erskine Bowles, took charge and did the nasty with Barton and Fowler.
If you haven’t heard (and for what it’s worth), I objected to the Barton firing. I have mixed reactions—breaking out in hives one moment and losing sleep in another—but not mixed emotions (none really) to the letting go of Fowler who seemed like a stand-up guy in some ways but who didn’t have a the wherewithal to make really tough decisions when it came to administering athletics, especially when dealing with coaches, hiring and firing. He was also too low-key with the fans.
One of those “I must admit he did a good job” thoughts though comes around when I think of his hiring of Kellie Harper as head basketball coach for the Wolfpack women, giving her the job instead of retaining loyalist Stephanie Glance. While I never met Stephanie, I think the hire of Harper was perfect for NC State. Harper brings to the program a fire and a determination that Glance, a long time assistant to Kay Yow, could not, at least in my humble opinion.
Having a nice program is not what it’s all about in college athletics. Having a nice, winning program with a positive approach and engaging attitude has been and remains the right idea. And, I believe this “change” in the women’s leadership was the right move. Give credit to Fowler for that, among many other things including to agree to improve facilities. (He messed up, though, when he didn’t want the golf course as an athletics department facility.)
But, someone got to Woodward, which stills remains an amazing mystery to me, because he would have never fired Barton if someone—Kessler—had not gotten to Woodward. I believe this confirms my suspicion that for all the firm things he did, Woodward was easily swayed to do other things, and without regret, even lying to some NCSU Alumni. Someone on the Board of Trustees or someone with deep, deep financial pockets must have gotten to Woodward and convinced him to fire Fowler. Come to think of it, Woodward wanted the 5% tax on donations for University Advancement, didn’t he? Money talks and those who disagree walk.
New Chancellor Randy Woodson, who told The News & Observer that Woodward gave Fowler the boot on March 23, has taken the next steps in finding Fowler’s replacement. According to The N&O, “Woodson said he has begun conversations with several (athletics head-hunter) firms and expects that the university could decide on one to hire in the next few days.”
From the Ripley Department: Believe it or not, one of those firms in the discussion might include former Wolfpack Athletics Director Todd Turner, who headed NC State athletics for six years (1990-96) and left NC State for Vanderbilt where he stayed until 2003. Then, when Vanderbilt dismantled the athletics program and put it under an academic department, Turner ended up as AD for the Washington Huskies from which he “resigned,” leaving the Seattle area school in February 2008.
Since August 2008, Todd, who I admittedly know and consider a friend (though after this he may not have a mutual feeling), joined Winston-Salem NC based ISP Sports, one of the nation’s top college sports marketing firms. ISP holds the radio broadcast rights to lots and lots of colleges for football and basketball, including Duke and Wake Forest. It also has television programming distribution. With its expansive contacts in college athletics, it is only natural for ISP to get into the intercollegiate “head-hunting” business. If ISP is the firm chosen by Woodson, Turner could be part of the search process, contacting possible candidates.
The process, though, formally began Wednesday when Chancellor Woodson appointed a 13-member search committee, naming former Raleigh Mayor Smedes York, who played basketball at State when Everett Case was coach, as chairman of the 13-person group which reportedly will submit names of three candidates to Woodson for his final selection.
In addition to York, the search panel includes, in alphabetical order:
—Steve Carlton, NCSU Crime Prevention Officer and chair of the NCSU Staff Senate;
—Derick Close, former NCSU trustee, currently member of the Board of Directors of the Wolfpack Club, and brother-in-law of UNC System President Erskine Bowles;
—Eileen Goldgeier, NCSU vice chancellor and general counsel, who just recently was named to that University position after serving in a similar capacity at UNC-Wilmington and who is a turtle sitter/watcher at Carolina Beach;
—Kellie Harper, NCSU women’s basketball coach;
—Kelly Hook, NCSU student body president;
—David Horning, NCSU senior associate athletics director who played football at NC State many, many years ago;
—Charles Leffler, NCSU vice chancellor finance and business;
—Dr. Margery Overton, NCSU professor of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering and chair of the NCSU faculty senate and who is also one of my many first cousins (her father, Jimmy Overton, a golf professional who taught me to play golf, and my mother, Annie Laurie Overton Pomeranz, are/were brother and sister (both deceased), and my father, Robert E. Pomeranz, NCSU ’43 (deceased) is/was Margery’s godfather);
—Dr. Sam Pardue, Head of the NCSU Poultry Science Department and NCSU faculty athletics representative;
—Ray Rouse, president, NCSU Student Aid Association (The Wolfpack Club);
—Steve Warren, member of the NCSU Board of Trustees and a member of the Board of Directors of the NCSU Alumni Association; and
—Cassius Williams, member of the NCSU Board of Trustees.
Woodson says he will meet with this group next Monday to actually begin the search and that maybe by that time he’ll have decided on a search firm to look far and wide for candidates. The goal is to have a new Athletics Director by the end of the summer or possibly by the end of July. Fowler’s last day is June 30th.
If necessary, Woodson will appoint an interim Athletics Director to fill the gap between June 30th and the hiring of a new AD. It’s doubtful that interim person will be Woodward, at least let’s hope not because there’s a chance someone in the Athletics Department would get Woodward’s ear and no telling whose job would be in jeopardy. Stay tuned.
----------
Poll Question:
Just concluded: Voter registration affiliations? Results: 64% Republican; 20% Independent; 8% Democratic; and, 8% other.
New question: What is your primary source for news? Newspaper; television; radio; internet; word of mouth? Look in the upper right corner of this page.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Ruminating and Cogitating Over 1700 Hits
A mention of a posting in this space on another website continues to make me a believer in the power of the Internet.
Earlier this year, when I first started my investigation and writing about the firing of Lennie Barton, the number of hits on my blog went to nearly 800, up from a high of 130. Yesterday, Alpha Wolf, writing on SportsFanNation, “How NC State Sports Information Really Works,” gave me space and a link to my Friday, April 16 story.
Yesterday, ACTIONS and REACTIONS II had more than 1650 different visitors, over 1750 visits and more than 2000 page views. I know who you are and where you came from. Google Analytics has a WOW factor. WOW!
Several visitors chimed in with comments and email notes, such as this email:
…I was a part-time student worker for the NC State SID office in the years 1985-87. Mr. (Ed) Seaman was still in charge then, with Mark Bockelman and Doug Herakovich, his underlings, and of course Beverly Sparks. I just found your blog this morning, thanks to a post on the PackPride.com message board. I found it very poignant and refreshing. I remember well your very passionate love and enthusiasm for NC State, both the athletics program and the academic quality of the University as a whole, and I'm happy to know it has not abated. I hope you will continue to speak out forthrightly and candidly that our wonderful school and its proud alumni should not have to suffer any longer the indignity of being so poorly and corruptly mismanaged by those that hide behind a facade of academia. Drive on, friend.
And this email:
Since moving to Apex eight years ago , I have been wondering why the Sports Information Department was not more proactive in promoting athletic events and activities. There seems to be a correlation between the SID having more family responsibility and the decline in the quantity and quality of information coming from that office. Perhaps I am wrong but I think there was more information when Frank Weeden was a one man show. At least I think he "worked" the crowd, ie. sports writers. Anyway, my point in writing this is to let you know I read your blog and found it thought provoking.
And…
I found your blog via a thread in the "Pack Pride" forum and after reading many of your postings I first wanted to thank you for your comments and efforts in regards to our Alma Mater. Well put and insightful sir! Over all I find your blog entertaining as well and enjoy your writings on other subjects than just NCSU.
There were no negative, written comments, but, from that same posting, in which I discussed the effort to raise money to build the Lonnie Poole golf Course, I received a telephone call from the person in charge of that effort. She was upset, saying I had criticized her efforts when I shouldn’t of. Here’s what I said: “If (Lee) Fowler had said yes (to making the golf course an athletics department facility) the Wolfpack Club would have probably raised all the money to build the course, the clubhouse and the related facilities. But now, the fund-raising effort struggles.”
I told her that if she felt that I was out of line with my comments, I apologize, though they were not directed at her. But, now that I have re-read what I said, I think I was quick to say I’m sorry. I never said she is doing or has done a bad job. She took exception to my statement that the Wolfpack Club is a better fund-raising organization than the NCSU Department of Advancement (Nevin Kessler's effort or lack thereof). After talking several weeks ago with Wolfpack Club representatives, I believe, if Lonnie Poole Golf Course had been an athletics project, Bobby Purcell and his staff would have secured the donations and pledges to build the entire complex. And, today, fund-raising for the project has stalled, at least that’s the impression I got when I asked for a report on it a few weeks back. I just hope it resumes and is successful, quickly. The chief fund-raiser for the project sounded optimistic. If there's anything I can do to help, just ask.
You see, I am a supporter of the University, the athletics program, the golf course and, specifically, the men's golf team. For the past seven years, I've directed the annual Wolfpack Intercollegiate in which up to 17 college golf teams compete in 54 holes of competition. Like a gypsy, the tournament—more than 20 years old—has moved around from course to course and finally landed at home this spring, just two weekends ago. The tournament is not free to operate by any means. This year, though my efforts, the event raised about $30,000 in cash and in-kind food, services and other necessities (thanks to more than 150 people who particiapted and helped) just to keep the athletics department from spending a dime while the Lonnie Poole Golf Course benefited. If that's not showing my support of NC State Unviersity, what is? Even the Chairman of the NCSU Board of Trustees thanked me last week for my service and said he hopes I'll continue that effort. As long as they want me, I said. Except for the gratification of the thank you notes I receive from the college teams and others associated with the tournament and the satisfaction of a job well-done, I receive no other benefits from this effort. And, that's fine with me.
There were other comments concerning the post of April 16th, and there was also one that took issue with what I wrote yesterday about CaryCitizen being “Better than any other website address for lots of good stuff happening in Cary.” The comment simply said “carynews.com is better…” (probably posted by an N&O staffer) to which I disagree. The newspaper website is a news website that consists primarily of what is in the print addition of the newspaper that's published twice a week as a supplement to The News & Observer. It is rarely updated on a daily basis. It’s not very personable; it’s not entertaining.
For instance, today (posted last night) on the front of CaryCitizen is a story, supplied by the Atlantic Coast Conference, about the league’s tennis championships—men and women—getting started Thursday at the Cary Tennis Park. It's good stuff. There’s no mention whatsoever on CaryNews.Com. Even if you drill down in the tennis link, all you'll find is high school tennis, basically. As a matter of fact, there is just lip-service mention on NewsObserver.com today, and not prior to today. The ACC Tennis event is a big deal to Cary specifically and the entire area in general, and the N&O and it's Cary News website should do more. Maybe the newspaper’s site has other stuff CaryCitizen doesn’t but my statement—CaryCitizen is better than any other website address for lots of good stuff happening in Cary—remains true. It’s all about the “lots of good stuff happening in Cary.” Do you own survey: Read CaryCitizen daily for fun stuff, and do the same with CaryNews.com, if you're looking for misery.
I also heard yesterday from a regular reader who, after my Monday story about USGA Rule 13, offered this perspective: “Most men would probably cheat on their wife before they cheated in golf.” That’s ponderable (if that's a word). Surely, Tiger Woods has never cheated in golf, a game for which he has complete respect, but he failed to offer that same respect to his wife. Maybe if he had a little rule book on marriage to carry in his pocket, he would have spent more time studying it than studying the naked bodies of at least 12 women who are not his wife. My friend asks: “Is honoring golf more important than honoring the institution of marriage.”
He, my regular reader, wanted me to ruminate (his word) on those thoughts. Hmmm. Okay. Done.
But I’m still cogitating (my word) the idea of more than 1650 different people clicking a link to look at my babble. Thanks.
Earlier this year, when I first started my investigation and writing about the firing of Lennie Barton, the number of hits on my blog went to nearly 800, up from a high of 130. Yesterday, Alpha Wolf, writing on SportsFanNation, “How NC State Sports Information Really Works,” gave me space and a link to my Friday, April 16 story.
Yesterday, ACTIONS and REACTIONS II had more than 1650 different visitors, over 1750 visits and more than 2000 page views. I know who you are and where you came from. Google Analytics has a WOW factor. WOW!
Several visitors chimed in with comments and email notes, such as this email:
…I was a part-time student worker for the NC State SID office in the years 1985-87. Mr. (Ed) Seaman was still in charge then, with Mark Bockelman and Doug Herakovich, his underlings, and of course Beverly Sparks. I just found your blog this morning, thanks to a post on the PackPride.com message board. I found it very poignant and refreshing. I remember well your very passionate love and enthusiasm for NC State, both the athletics program and the academic quality of the University as a whole, and I'm happy to know it has not abated. I hope you will continue to speak out forthrightly and candidly that our wonderful school and its proud alumni should not have to suffer any longer the indignity of being so poorly and corruptly mismanaged by those that hide behind a facade of academia. Drive on, friend.
And this email:
Since moving to Apex eight years ago , I have been wondering why the Sports Information Department was not more proactive in promoting athletic events and activities. There seems to be a correlation between the SID having more family responsibility and the decline in the quantity and quality of information coming from that office. Perhaps I am wrong but I think there was more information when Frank Weeden was a one man show. At least I think he "worked" the crowd, ie. sports writers. Anyway, my point in writing this is to let you know I read your blog and found it thought provoking.
And…
I found your blog via a thread in the "Pack Pride" forum and after reading many of your postings I first wanted to thank you for your comments and efforts in regards to our Alma Mater. Well put and insightful sir! Over all I find your blog entertaining as well and enjoy your writings on other subjects than just NCSU.
There were no negative, written comments, but, from that same posting, in which I discussed the effort to raise money to build the Lonnie Poole golf Course, I received a telephone call from the person in charge of that effort. She was upset, saying I had criticized her efforts when I shouldn’t of. Here’s what I said: “If (Lee) Fowler had said yes (to making the golf course an athletics department facility) the Wolfpack Club would have probably raised all the money to build the course, the clubhouse and the related facilities. But now, the fund-raising effort struggles.”
I told her that if she felt that I was out of line with my comments, I apologize, though they were not directed at her. But, now that I have re-read what I said, I think I was quick to say I’m sorry. I never said she is doing or has done a bad job. She took exception to my statement that the Wolfpack Club is a better fund-raising organization than the NCSU Department of Advancement (Nevin Kessler's effort or lack thereof). After talking several weeks ago with Wolfpack Club representatives, I believe, if Lonnie Poole Golf Course had been an athletics project, Bobby Purcell and his staff would have secured the donations and pledges to build the entire complex. And, today, fund-raising for the project has stalled, at least that’s the impression I got when I asked for a report on it a few weeks back. I just hope it resumes and is successful, quickly. The chief fund-raiser for the project sounded optimistic. If there's anything I can do to help, just ask.
You see, I am a supporter of the University, the athletics program, the golf course and, specifically, the men's golf team. For the past seven years, I've directed the annual Wolfpack Intercollegiate in which up to 17 college golf teams compete in 54 holes of competition. Like a gypsy, the tournament—more than 20 years old—has moved around from course to course and finally landed at home this spring, just two weekends ago. The tournament is not free to operate by any means. This year, though my efforts, the event raised about $30,000 in cash and in-kind food, services and other necessities (thanks to more than 150 people who particiapted and helped) just to keep the athletics department from spending a dime while the Lonnie Poole Golf Course benefited. If that's not showing my support of NC State Unviersity, what is? Even the Chairman of the NCSU Board of Trustees thanked me last week for my service and said he hopes I'll continue that effort. As long as they want me, I said. Except for the gratification of the thank you notes I receive from the college teams and others associated with the tournament and the satisfaction of a job well-done, I receive no other benefits from this effort. And, that's fine with me.
There were other comments concerning the post of April 16th, and there was also one that took issue with what I wrote yesterday about CaryCitizen being “Better than any other website address for lots of good stuff happening in Cary.” The comment simply said “carynews.com is better…” (probably posted by an N&O staffer) to which I disagree. The newspaper website is a news website that consists primarily of what is in the print addition of the newspaper that's published twice a week as a supplement to The News & Observer. It is rarely updated on a daily basis. It’s not very personable; it’s not entertaining.
For instance, today (posted last night) on the front of CaryCitizen is a story, supplied by the Atlantic Coast Conference, about the league’s tennis championships—men and women—getting started Thursday at the Cary Tennis Park. It's good stuff. There’s no mention whatsoever on CaryNews.Com. Even if you drill down in the tennis link, all you'll find is high school tennis, basically. As a matter of fact, there is just lip-service mention on NewsObserver.com today, and not prior to today. The ACC Tennis event is a big deal to Cary specifically and the entire area in general, and the N&O and it's Cary News website should do more. Maybe the newspaper’s site has other stuff CaryCitizen doesn’t but my statement—CaryCitizen is better than any other website address for lots of good stuff happening in Cary—remains true. It’s all about the “lots of good stuff happening in Cary.” Do you own survey: Read CaryCitizen daily for fun stuff, and do the same with CaryNews.com, if you're looking for misery.
I also heard yesterday from a regular reader who, after my Monday story about USGA Rule 13, offered this perspective: “Most men would probably cheat on their wife before they cheated in golf.” That’s ponderable (if that's a word). Surely, Tiger Woods has never cheated in golf, a game for which he has complete respect, but he failed to offer that same respect to his wife. Maybe if he had a little rule book on marriage to carry in his pocket, he would have spent more time studying it than studying the naked bodies of at least 12 women who are not his wife. My friend asks: “Is honoring golf more important than honoring the institution of marriage.”
He, my regular reader, wanted me to ruminate (his word) on those thoughts. Hmmm. Okay. Done.
But I’m still cogitating (my word) the idea of more than 1650 different people clicking a link to look at my babble. Thanks.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Cart Before the Horse: PR Spin Before Policy?
Is the proposed 5% tax on all donations to NC State University a done deal? Has Vice Chancellor for Advancment Nevin Kessler, a man not worthy of having NC State University associated with his name, gotten his way? You decide.
An email arrived midday Wednesday. It came from one of my on-campus Deep Throats, one of many who feed my passion for information of what’s happening at NC State University, especially related to Kessler and his drive to tax contributions by 5% to operate his office. No doubt he's a typical a Democrat (with sincere apologies to the Democratic Party), as he knows only how to tax others and not generate a dollar through hard work.
The tax, supposedly if agreed upon by the NC State University Board of Trustees at its meeting in a few days (or maybe it's already agreed to), would not be an add-on to the contributor but a subtraction from money donated for any cause. Kessler and his band of merry men have already written the "public relations" message that will be released if the policy is implemented. The PR spin, full of deep horse manure, came in that email and, in its entirety, it’s presented below. It is written: “All gifts received by the university will be assessed.” There’s no word from anyone if this applies to donations to the NCSU Student Aid Association, Inc., aka The Wolfpack Club.
According to the proposed statement, implementation date would be July 1, 2010. Also, there is no indication if this applies to current un-paid pledges such as my on-going pledge to the Lonnie Poole Golf Course. If it's to be taxed, the University will receive the balance prior to that date just to keep Kessler from getting his greedy, grubby hands on my donation. After that, I’ll have to re-think any and all contributions to NC State until Kessler is no longer there. I believe many others will do the same, and I encourage many others to do the same: Pay up now; withhold later. No matter what you think, as an avid supporter of my alma mater, this is not cutting of my nose to spite my face. This is more about Kessler than the policy. Maybe if more contributors withheld donations, he might leave or be asked to leave. Do unto others, the big book says, and Kessler did unto Lennie Barton what should be done to Kessler.
You might be asking why I feel this way about Kessler. It’s simple. He lied to me in a telephone conversation last fall when he and temporary Chancellor James Woodward fired Barton. Since our initial conversation, I’ve tried to talk to him plenty of times. I called his office and left messages. I 've asked for official documents from his office and been ignored. At the time of my calls, maybe I wanted further explanation to his decision to fire Barton. Maybe I wanted to increase my contribution to the golf course. Maybe I had other good reasons to talk to the person who is supposed to be in fact the chief fund-raiser for the University. But then I understand he prefers not to speak with the "little people" who contribute to NC State. We must be too far below his level. Hah! In any case, a University representative in his position should take the time to talk with an alumnus, one who has supported the University with money and passion much more than he has. Remember, Kessler’s just a hired hand who has moved from job to job every three years or so. He does not have the guts or the courage to talk with me and others with my same concerns. My University should not be represented by someone as sleazy and as gutless as Kessler.
So, here is the text of the PR spin about the tax, if it passes. I have my opinion of the policy. Let me hear from you about it:
Funding Advancement at NC State University
At NC State University, we are known for our position as the largest university in North Carolina with almost 33,000 students from every county in the state and more than 100 countries.
This year we expect more than 18,000 to seek admission to a freshman class that will seat about 4,800. The average cost of tuition and fees for in-state students is just $2,764 per semester making us one of the three “Best Values” in public higher education according to US News & World Report.
We are also recognized for the economic impact we have on the state. Our innovation and research have helped attract more than $336 million in research funding to campus during the past year and for every dollar we receive in state support, we return $8 in total income to North Carolina.
Our 170,000 living alumni are legendary for their pride and passion around the Wolfpack, and every year our graduates pump more than $2.9 billion into the North Carolina economy.
A Challenge from Chancellor Woodson:
As we welcome our new Chancellor, Randy Woodson, to campus, he has charged us to reach higher in all of our efforts around teaching, research, extension and engagement. While we recognize that our gifts and potential are considerable, we also know that we must improve our efforts to raise private dollars if we’re to be successful.
Toward this end, the university is making some changes in our fund raising processes. These changes will align the university with standard practices across the country and prepare us to generate additional private dollars that will be used to fund our priorities and the priorities of our donors.
Our Action Plan:
To achieve our goals, the university must invest in new and improved information services, and research, gift and data processing systems. We must also invest in people.
To help fund these improvements, the university will implement a 5 percent gift assessment beginning on July 1, 2010. The assessment will be divided among the university’s main development office and the college or fund raising unit to which the gift is directed. All gifts received by the university will be assessed.
A significant portion of new funds will be dedicated to the university’s endowment. Increasing the value of this important funding source is vital to the long-term health of NC State. The average value of the endowments of our peer universities is about $1 billion, or more than $25,000 per student. At NC State, the value of our endowment is around $463 million, or $14,000 per student.
We will also pursue other sources of revenue to fund our aspirations -- state funds, endowment fees, etc. -- but the Gift Assessment is a reflection of the national model among colleges and universities. For example, assessments at our peer institutions range from 2 percent to more than 7 percent.
The Outcome of Our Actions:
With the increased funding made possible by additional private donations, we will be able to continue our efforts to enhance the student experience and to provide focus on our research efforts and on the priorities of our donors. By improving our fund raising efforts, the assessment will also leverage the gifts of those who already support the university in a way that will move NC State forward.
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Now, see that "comment" line just below. Click and post. Anonymous comments, especially those in favor of Kessler's desire to steal from the rich to help his less than successful efforts, are encouraged and accepted.
An email arrived midday Wednesday. It came from one of my on-campus Deep Throats, one of many who feed my passion for information of what’s happening at NC State University, especially related to Kessler and his drive to tax contributions by 5% to operate his office. No doubt he's a typical a Democrat (with sincere apologies to the Democratic Party), as he knows only how to tax others and not generate a dollar through hard work.
The tax, supposedly if agreed upon by the NC State University Board of Trustees at its meeting in a few days (or maybe it's already agreed to), would not be an add-on to the contributor but a subtraction from money donated for any cause. Kessler and his band of merry men have already written the "public relations" message that will be released if the policy is implemented. The PR spin, full of deep horse manure, came in that email and, in its entirety, it’s presented below. It is written: “All gifts received by the university will be assessed.” There’s no word from anyone if this applies to donations to the NCSU Student Aid Association, Inc., aka The Wolfpack Club.
According to the proposed statement, implementation date would be July 1, 2010. Also, there is no indication if this applies to current un-paid pledges such as my on-going pledge to the Lonnie Poole Golf Course. If it's to be taxed, the University will receive the balance prior to that date just to keep Kessler from getting his greedy, grubby hands on my donation. After that, I’ll have to re-think any and all contributions to NC State until Kessler is no longer there. I believe many others will do the same, and I encourage many others to do the same: Pay up now; withhold later. No matter what you think, as an avid supporter of my alma mater, this is not cutting of my nose to spite my face. This is more about Kessler than the policy. Maybe if more contributors withheld donations, he might leave or be asked to leave. Do unto others, the big book says, and Kessler did unto Lennie Barton what should be done to Kessler.
You might be asking why I feel this way about Kessler. It’s simple. He lied to me in a telephone conversation last fall when he and temporary Chancellor James Woodward fired Barton. Since our initial conversation, I’ve tried to talk to him plenty of times. I called his office and left messages. I 've asked for official documents from his office and been ignored. At the time of my calls, maybe I wanted further explanation to his decision to fire Barton. Maybe I wanted to increase my contribution to the golf course. Maybe I had other good reasons to talk to the person who is supposed to be in fact the chief fund-raiser for the University. But then I understand he prefers not to speak with the "little people" who contribute to NC State. We must be too far below his level. Hah! In any case, a University representative in his position should take the time to talk with an alumnus, one who has supported the University with money and passion much more than he has. Remember, Kessler’s just a hired hand who has moved from job to job every three years or so. He does not have the guts or the courage to talk with me and others with my same concerns. My University should not be represented by someone as sleazy and as gutless as Kessler.
So, here is the text of the PR spin about the tax, if it passes. I have my opinion of the policy. Let me hear from you about it:
Funding Advancement at NC State University
At NC State University, we are known for our position as the largest university in North Carolina with almost 33,000 students from every county in the state and more than 100 countries.
This year we expect more than 18,000 to seek admission to a freshman class that will seat about 4,800. The average cost of tuition and fees for in-state students is just $2,764 per semester making us one of the three “Best Values” in public higher education according to US News & World Report.
We are also recognized for the economic impact we have on the state. Our innovation and research have helped attract more than $336 million in research funding to campus during the past year and for every dollar we receive in state support, we return $8 in total income to North Carolina.
Our 170,000 living alumni are legendary for their pride and passion around the Wolfpack, and every year our graduates pump more than $2.9 billion into the North Carolina economy.
A Challenge from Chancellor Woodson:
As we welcome our new Chancellor, Randy Woodson, to campus, he has charged us to reach higher in all of our efforts around teaching, research, extension and engagement. While we recognize that our gifts and potential are considerable, we also know that we must improve our efforts to raise private dollars if we’re to be successful.
Toward this end, the university is making some changes in our fund raising processes. These changes will align the university with standard practices across the country and prepare us to generate additional private dollars that will be used to fund our priorities and the priorities of our donors.
Our Action Plan:
To achieve our goals, the university must invest in new and improved information services, and research, gift and data processing systems. We must also invest in people.
To help fund these improvements, the university will implement a 5 percent gift assessment beginning on July 1, 2010. The assessment will be divided among the university’s main development office and the college or fund raising unit to which the gift is directed. All gifts received by the university will be assessed.
A significant portion of new funds will be dedicated to the university’s endowment. Increasing the value of this important funding source is vital to the long-term health of NC State. The average value of the endowments of our peer universities is about $1 billion, or more than $25,000 per student. At NC State, the value of our endowment is around $463 million, or $14,000 per student.
We will also pursue other sources of revenue to fund our aspirations -- state funds, endowment fees, etc. -- but the Gift Assessment is a reflection of the national model among colleges and universities. For example, assessments at our peer institutions range from 2 percent to more than 7 percent.
The Outcome of Our Actions:
With the increased funding made possible by additional private donations, we will be able to continue our efforts to enhance the student experience and to provide focus on our research efforts and on the priorities of our donors. By improving our fund raising efforts, the assessment will also leverage the gifts of those who already support the university in a way that will move NC State forward.
----------
Now, see that "comment" line just below. Click and post. Anonymous comments, especially those in favor of Kessler's desire to steal from the rich to help his less than successful efforts, are encouraged and accepted.
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