As positive as the vibes were on the quad, criticism of the university's oil drilling was top of mind for some Sycamore Action Club members. In late December 2013, Lawrenceville, Ill.-based Pioneer Company started horizontal drilling on university property east of campus for oil and gas. The proceeds, which totaled $350,000 in the first year, will be used to address deferred maintenance on campus.
"There is currently a petition going around campus for people to sign asking President Bradley and the ISU Foundation to start a conversation about fossil fuel divestment and provide more transparency concerning any environmentally destructive decision that could impact the State community," Hoskins said.