March On! Sycamores

[4Q_iu]

And it would be nice if that contact didn't always come in the form of some phone solicitation where they're pestering you for more donations. I do appreciate getting the ISU magazine in the mail though. That's cool!

It was the 'pestering' usage that irked me...

Two good websites to read / review...

http://www.indstatefoundation.org/Marchon/

http://www.indstate.edu/strategic_plan/

The Strategic Plan is worth the time to read; we talk A LOT about sports but obviously there is more to the University than sports; State needs to improve the visibility, resources of both.

Side Note: Good to hear the housing will be updated/improved; was VERY happy to read that Normal Hall is slated to be renovated; while it doesn't 'fit' into the majority of campus architecture, it's a beautiful building that needs the work; HOPEFULLY, they'll raze the late 50s addition AND replace the dome (with a much improved weather-proof design)

 

[bent20]

Since I'm now being called out in two threads perhaps I should explain a little more. The last time I got a call from a solicitor the guy was very rude and overly persistent. "Pestering" was a rather kind description for it actually. That was about three years ago. I would hope the university does a better job in the future of hiring people to do such work, but that left a sour taste in my mouth.

Like I said, I contribute when I can, but my family (three generations worth and probably 50 or more ISU grads now) has done plenty. My grandparents (both teachers) even have a scholarship in their name that's 20 years old now, so pardon me if I take a little offense to some prick calling me up and insulting me.

 

[Sackalot]

I think the plan is great! A lot of the things addressed have been "bones of contention" with many of my former co-workers for years and years.

Few points

-Normal, supposedly talkes of making that the alumni office and "museum" type of thing...but that is only talk. But would completely renovate the building and probably remove the addition it that happens..that is what I was told..only speculation

-housing has to be addressed and there is not question this will be happening quickly. They aleady are seeking consulting firm about it and will be mvoing forward quickly. My guess would be the following...Sandison will be done by next year, then Pickerl Hall will be gutted and made to be similar to the renovation to Burford Hall...possibly Erickson will then will be made back into a reshall making that complex into a residence hall complex with its own cafeteria. (I am told that Admissions will be moved from its current location leaving room once again for what was at one time the cafeteria for Burford, Erickson, Pickerl. Then I would assume they will move onto Lincoln Quad completely renovating and changing the look of that building...basically turning it into on campus apartments (similar but looking completely different) and much more modern with less beds in it. As President said, same amount of beds on campus. If they bring Erickson back online they will cut beds in LQ. Then they will have to move onto the towers...renovating every part of them I would assume. Probably making them into 2 bedroom and 4 bedroom suites with their own bathrooms. But regardless of my speculation and rumors I have heard, housing is a major issue that is going to be addressed ASAP and involves the entire university and enrollment.
Railroad - MOVE THE DAMN THING!!!!! ISU owns the majority of the land on the east side of those tracks and this will only help in developing this area...I woudl be surprised if this land weren't used to create faculty housing options and/or fraternit/sorority housing...but there are of course a great deal of options for its use.
City-Terre Haute is a college town....it is and has been for well over 30 years. It is about time that ISU, Rose and The Woods makes that push. Turn Downtown into Broad Ripple and things will improve for the students...but they have to get a ordinance passed (if possible) to allow people under 21 to be in places that serve alcohol. For example, they need to be allowed to let 19 year olds into a dance place or a place like BW3s downtown. I know it is a state law issue, but there are ways to solve this issue with some creative steps by city officials and business owners (of course liability is an issue) but...there are ways to do it.

That is the end of my rant...just my thoughts.

 

[IndyTreeFan]

bent20, I'm sorry that the last guy who called you on behalf of the University was so rude. I had a solicitation call about a month ago, and the young man who called me was very cordial, and we spent about 15 minutes just talking about our experiences at ISU (he was a current student), the changes in the campus, athletics, etc. It was a very enjoyable conversation. Then, he launched into his prepared script about giving to the University, and asked if I could donate in the amount of my graduation year. I was ready to start laughing when he asked for $1,992, but to my surprise, he asked for $19.92. Being the generous sort that I am, I told him to round it up to $20.00. :imslow:

Anywhoo, if that young man was representative of the type of student that is making calls nowadays, we should all be proud. We held a totally spontaneous, non-scripted conversation for quite a while, and he seemed genuinely interested in talking with me. I should hire him to be in sales for my company...

I hope all alumni will consider giving whatever amount they can, in spite of the tough economic times. Even that $20 I give is better than nothing!!!

 

[bent20]

$19.92 is very reasonable. I can afford that kind of donation. I'd prefer to wait until I can give more though.

 

[IndyTreeFan]

Personally, I'd like to give enough to get a building named after me, but if I can give 'em $20 right now, I'll do it. I was amazed that that was all they asked for. I haven't made a decision about March On! yet, but I'm sure I'll bleed something out of my budget for it. Maybe if I give $100 towards the new football stadium, they'll name a seat on the bleachers for me...:bigsmile: