State Budget Committee OKs funding for Hulman Center project

[Jason Svoboda]

It took COURAGE for Pres. Bradley to make this decision, no doubt in recognition of the ADMINISTRATIVE problems inherent between the University, City of Terre Haute and Vigo County govt. to OVERSEE the financing, construction and management of Hulman Center. He's no doubt aware of the problems that existed during CLIFF LAMBERT'S 30 yr. TH/University "experiment," and that this current "Devil's Triangle" was never going to succeed, at least in the BEST INTEREST of Indiana State.

Provided we're still getting the $37.5m from the state. I'd have to think Bradley secured some assurances that if he went this route they wouldn't pull the funding altogether.

I believe the State Legislature wrapped up in April and start back up in October sometime... does anyone know if that's accurate? So we'll likely not get any sort of finality to this until that happens. Does that also seem accurate?

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

You all talk about winning as the solution to bring in fans and thus earn money. You fail to realize that winning alone will never get the job done at Indiana State. Do you realize how hard it is to win when the city, county, THCVB and University can't get on the same page??

If I'm recruiting a kid that's a fringe high major prospect - probably better fits the mid major mold. As a coach I'm using everything I can to lure that kid to my program. You better believe I'm going to put to this dysfunction and our inability to build an appropriate facility in attempt to land that recruit. If they even get a facilitiy built it will fall short of what was originally proposed.

This came down to control and Bradley wanted Indiana State to have control. That is all fine and good - but my guess is the Hulman family never got a call about naming rights and the deficit they were faced with. If the Hulman family wasn't interested and I'm certain they would have given us rights to seek alumni, donor, naming right dollars elsewhere. I can't imagine a situation in which a convention center doesn't benefit Hulman & Co./Clabber Girl. We didn't go down that road - Indiana State was in a position to initiate these asks and have these conversations internally. The gap (if truly just $10ish million) wasn't that large. They could have found a way to come up with that - they choose not to. I'm not sure what about that is so difficult for you all to grasp.

For Bradley to initially point toward the cities/county financial situation was a cop out. They attempted to call him on that - not sure if they were able to or not given the current situation they are both faced with.

I can't spell it out more clearly for you all.

 

[Hooper]

Provided we're still getting the $37.5m from the state. I'd have to think Bradley secured some assurances that if he went this route they wouldn't pull the funding altogether.

I believe the State Legislature wrapped up in April and start back up in October sometime... does anyone know if that's accurate? So we'll likely not get any sort of finality to this until that happens. Does that also seem accurate?

No more General Assembly sessions this year. The actual session is short in 2018 as it's a non-budget year so they'll go from Jan-March in 2018. As we speak of course there are interim study committees meeting on all kinds of things and no doubt some informal caucusing.

 

[Bally #50]

You all talk about winning as the solution to bring in fans and thus earn money. You fail to realize that winning alone will never get the job done at Indiana State. Do you realize how hard it is to win when the city, county, THCVB and University can't get on the same page??

If I'm recruiting a kid that's a fringe high major prospect - probably better fits the mid major mold. As a coach I'm using everything I can to lure that kid to my program. You better believe I'm going to put to this dysfunction and our inability to build an appropriate facility in attempt to land that recruit. If they even get a facilitiy built it will fall short of what was originally proposed.

This came down to control and Bradley wanted Indiana State to have control. That is all fine and good - but my guess is the Hulman family never got a call about naming rights and the deficit they were faced with. If the Hulman family wasn't interested and I'm certain they would have given us rights to seek alumni, donor, naming right dollars elsewhere. I can't imagine a situation in which a convention center doesn't benefit Hulman & Co./Clabber Girl. We didn't go down that road - Indiana State was in a position to initiate these asks and have these conversations internally. The gap (if truly just $10ish million) wasn't that large. They could have found a way to come up with that - they choose not to. I'm not sure what about that is so difficult for you all to grasp.

For Bradley to initially point toward the cities/county financial situation was a cop out. They attempted to call him on that - not sure if they were able to or not given the current situation they are both faced with.

I can't spell it out more clearly for you all.

Did you ever think that some of us aren't buying it? This forum is starting to sound like the Sycamore Hoop Forum. And by the way, don't worry about me hurting myself. Take a chill pill. I'll be just fine.

 

[SycamoreFan317]

You all talk about winning as the solution to bring in fans and thus earn money. You fail to realize that winning alone will never get the job done at Indiana State. Do you realize how hard it is to win when the city, county, THCVB and University can't get on the same page??

If I'm recruiting a kid that's a fringe high major prospect - probably better fits the mid major mold. As a coach I'm using everything I can to lure that kid to my program. You better believe I'm going to put to this dysfunction and our inability to build an appropriate facility in attempt to land that recruit. If they even get a facilitiy built it will fall short of what was originally proposed.

This came down to control and Bradley wanted Indiana State to have control. That is all fine and good - but my guess is the Hulman family never got a call about naming rights and the deficit they were faced with. If the Hulman family wasn't interested and I'm certain they would have given us rights to seek alumni, donor, naming right dollars elsewhere. I can't imagine a situation in which a convention center doesn't benefit Hulman & Co./Clabber Girl. We didn't go down that road - Indiana State was in a position to initiate these asks and have these conversations internally. The gap (if truly just $10ish million) wasn't that large. They could have found a way to come up with that - they choose not to. I'm not sure what about that is so difficult for you all to grasp.

For Bradley to initially point toward the cities/county financial situation was a cop out. They attempted to call him on that - not sure if they were able to or not given the current situation they are both faced with.

I can't spell it out more clearly for you all.

The State of Indiana is in control and they said that they wanted Indiana State in control of the construction. The one who controls the purse strings is always in control. I gather that the State told Dr. Bradley it is time to get a moving on this or we will pull the 37.5M so what was Dr. Bradley supposed to do? Beg for more time or proceed with what he sees as the essential part of the project. TH and Vigo County are their own worse enemies here somebody wants to get their fingers in the pie and create and big conflict of interest at the least. I have always thought that Dr. Bradley was only interested in the Hulman Center part of the project and the Convention Center was for the community. There is no way TH will be able to build a Convention Center for 35 to 40M and to have a multi purpose facility attached. TH needs to get their head out of the sand and get in the 21st century and think outside of the box for financing all of their projects they need done. The police station and jail and get done as private or public/private project. The schools have their hands tied by state law, but they need to build additions on to current buildings and or renovate current buildings. I look forward to seeing they new plans and the sooner the better.

 

[Bally #50]

The State of Indiana is in control and they said that they wanted Indiana State in control of the construction. The one who controls the purse strings is always in control. I gather that the State told Dr. Bradley it is time to get a moving on this or we will pull the 37.5M so what was Dr. Bradley supposed to do? Beg for more time or proceed with what he sees as the essential part of the project. TH and Vigo County are their own worse enemies here somebody wants to get their fingers in the pie and create and big conflict of interest at the least. I have always thought that Dr. Bradley was only interested in the Hulman Center part of the project and the Convention Center was for the community. There is no way TH will be able to build a Convention Center for 35 to 40M and to have a multi purpose facility attached. TH needs to get their head out of the sand and get in the 21st century and think outside of the box for financing all of their projects they need done. The police station and jail and get done as private or public/private project. The schools have their hands tied by state law, but they need to build additions on to current buildings and or renovate current buildings. I look forward to seeing they new plans and the sooner the better.

AMEN.

 

[SycamoreFan317]

This is all good. Several months ago I posted some stuff about convention center locations... The TH Convention Center should be on the Riverfront with easy access for big rigs, etc. (I never actually said that because I wanted some people to read between the lines.) The Hulman Center should get renovated as an ISU only facility so they have full control over athletic usage on their campus. TH found they can actually come up with some funds... move the convention center to the riverfront as part of the riverscape project.... build a large enough facility with removable astro turf that seats 20k for the football stadium. The Convention Center/Football stadium on the riverfront. Easy access for large equipment... farm shows, tractor pulls, car shows, etc. Do it for 80 million. ISU then moves to FBS... oh yea baby... LOL that part is sarcasm. Really - the convention center with removable astro turf is possible. A more versatile facility than Hulman could be.
Forgive me if this has already been mentioned because I didn't read many earlier posts.

Another pipe dream

 

[BankShot]

... but my guess is the Hulman family never got a call about naming rights and the deficit they were faced with. If the Hulman family wasn't interested and I'm certain they would have given us rights to seek alumni, donor, naming right dollars elsewhere. I can't imagine a situation in which a convention center doesn't benefit Hulman & Co./Clabber Girl. We didn't go down that road - Indiana State was in a position to initiate these asks and have these conversations internally. The gap (if truly just $10ish million) wasn't that large. They could have found a way to come up with that - they choose not to. I'm not sure what about that is so difficult for you all to grasp.

Let's see now...wasn't your boy Patterson & the THCVB involved in these meetings? Look who sits on their Board:

http://terrehaute.com/contact-thcvb/

In a nutshell, who's FAULT is it if the "Hulman's never got a call?"

When I saw LINDA LAMBERT'S name on this Board, it immediately brought to mind her husband, who RAN Hulman Center for 30 yrs....now you know why the term "GEEB" is so popular in Terre Haute.

 

[Bally #50]

... "but my guess is the Hulman family never got a call about naming rights and the deficit they were faced with. If the Hulman family wasn't interested and I'm certain they would have given us rights to seek alumni, donor, naming right dollars elsewhere. I can't imagine a situation in which a convention center doesn't benefit Hulman & Co./Clabber Girl. We didn't go down that road - Indiana State was in a position to initiate these asks and have these conversations internally. The gap (if truly just $10ish million) wasn't that large. They could have found a way to come up with that - they choose not to. I'm not sure what about that is so difficult for you all to grasp."

I had retired from this conversation........but I know for a fact that this is NOT true.

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

... "but my guess is the Hulman family never got a call about naming rights and the deficit they were faced with. If the Hulman family wasn't interested and I'm certain they would have given us rights to seek alumni, donor, naming right dollars elsewhere. I can't imagine a situation in which a convention center doesn't benefit Hulman & Co./Clabber Girl. We didn't go down that road - Indiana State was in a position to initiate these asks and have these conversations internally. The gap (if truly just $10ish million) wasn't that large. They could have found a way to come up with that - they choose not to. I'm not sure what about that is so difficult for you all to grasp."

I had retired from this conversation........but I know for a fact that this is NOT true.

If you know for a fact then I guess you know more than I do on this topic because mine was simply a guess.

 

[shootingsycamore]

In response to the $7mm "on the table" here's what transpired. The best Development Officer in the Foundation and among the best in the business had been cultivating the donor for over 3 years. It started out at $2mm and quickly developed into $7+mm. It was up to Dan Bradley to make the "Ask" and close it. Dan Bradley is admired for many reasons within the ISU community and for good reason. He is NOT however a Fundraiser/ Development person and never will be. What started out as a $7mm gift never materialized. The Foundation is in sore need of new leadership. The new Associate VP is very experienced and will hopefully right the ship. However Development and Cultivation take time, in most cases years. Unfortunately the Development Officer left last Dec. for a much better opportunity.

 

[Bally #50]

In response to the $7mm "on the table" here's what transpired. The best Development Officer in the Foundation and among the best in the business had been cultivating the donor for over 3 years. It started out at $2mm and quickly developed into $7+mm. It was up to Dan Bradley to make the "Ask" and close it. Dan Bradley is admired for many reasons within the ISU community and for good reason. He is NOT however a Fundraiser/ Development person and never will be. What started out as a $7mm gift never materialized. The Foundation is in sore need of new leadership. The new Associate VP is very experienced and will hopefully right the ship. However Development and Cultivation take time, in most cases years. Unfortunately the Development Officer left last Dec. for a much better opportunity.

Thanks, SS. Now I can get back to girls VB and Football.

 

[BankShot]

Speaking of the "Hulman Family," anybody see the NEWS that came out 5 hrs ago:

http://www.tribstar.com/news/rose-h...cle_b99f65c6-88db-11e7-b362-67f1c4dd59a4.html

Sure puts a "spin" on the $11-12m gap, doesn't it...

 

[Bally #50]

Speaking of the "Hulman Family," anybody see the NEWS that came out 5 hrs ago:

http://www.tribstar.com/news/rose-h...cle_b99f65c6-88db-11e7-b362-67f1c4dd59a4.html

Sure puts a "spin" on the $11-12m gap, doesn't it...

Great for them. We all know how beautiful that property is. This was part of the carrot dragged before horse 50 years ago in the infamous/alleged "Hulman State" offer (heard by many of us in the 60's and early 70's) but NEVER confirmed by anyone still alive that I am aware of. Rankin allegedly held his ground on a split, part new, part old campus. Anton then offered the Rose Poly deal to them (money only) as they did change the name for them. No controversy here. It will never be proven either way.

 

[BankShot]

Ay idea how much RH paid for this 1,100 acres of PRIME real estate "just around the corner" from the TH Convention Bureau?

 

[TwoMinuteDrill]

In response to the $7mm "on the table" here's what transpired. The best Development Officer in the Foundation and among the best in the business had been cultivating the donor for over 3 years. It started out at $2mm and quickly developed into $7+mm. It was up to Dan Bradley to make the "Ask" and close it. Dan Bradley is admired for many reasons within the ISU community and for good reason. He is NOT however a Fundraiser/ Development person and never will be. What started out as a $7mm gift never materialized. The Foundation is in sore need of new leadership. The new Associate VP is very experienced and will hopefully right the ship. However Development and Cultivation take time, in most cases years. Unfortunately the Development Officer left last Dec. for a much better opportunity.

It seems you can seldom find a President, at our level, that can fund raise, run the business and keep the academic side happy. Those guys go to much bigger schools. I think Bradley has been great for ISU, but I agree with you, he has accomplished very little in fund raising. I know a few VP Development guys. They all tell me the same thing; without the full engagement of the President, success will be limed. Private schools figured that out long ago. Might be time for a fund raising focused president.

 

[shootingsycamore]

It seems you can seldom find a President, at our level, that can fund raise, run the business and keep the academic side happy. Those guys go to much bigger schools. I think Bradley has been great for ISU, but I agree with you, he has accomplished very little in fund raising. I know a few VP Development guys. They all tell me the same thing; without the full engagement of the President, success will be limed. Private schools figured that out long ago. Might be time for a fund raising focused president.

You're correct. The privates had to figure it out or perish. Schools with large endowments and successful cultivation,solicitation and capital campaigns have sophistocated and very well developed Foundations and Development Staffs where "Fundraising" is institutionalized. Over the years I've been honored to serve on search committees for ISU, from the President to Deans.In the searches I've been involved with the one topic that all candidates no matter what the position being interviewed for has been their experience & success in capital campaigns & personal solicitation(s). Candidates have been eliminated because of those considerations. In the most important and critical cultivation(s) the President or Dean works with the Development Officer and has a very select portfolio. In the past, in the case of a Presidential search the committee is asked by the Board of Trustees for 3 sometimes more candidates for their final consideration. I don't know if that is still protocol today.

 

[TwoMinuteDrill]

You're correct. The privates had to figure it out or perish. Schools with large endowments and successful cultivation,solicitation and capital campaigns have sophistocated and very well developed Foundations and Development Staffs where "Fundraising" is institutionalized. Over the years I've been honored to serve on search committees for ISU, from the President to Deans.In the searches I've been involved with the one topic that all candidates no matter what the position being interviewed for has been their experience & success in capital campaigns & personal solicitation(s). Candidates have been eliminated because of those considerations. In the most important and critical cultivation(s) the President or Dean works with the Development Officer and has a very select portfolio. In the past, in the case of a Presidential search the committee is asked by the Board of Trustees for 3 sometimes more candidates for their final consideration. I don't know if that is still protocol today.

I asked my two friends their opinion why some public institutions struggle versus privates to raise money. To your point, they both said fundraising is about survival for privates. Without it they don't exist. One of my friends felt public schools know the tax payer is there providing and in some cases that was good enough. The privates never had that option. The privates had to learn to fish to live, most public's just take the free fish given by tax payers.

 

[4Q_iu]

I asked my two friends their opinion why some public institutions struggle versus privates to raise money. To your point, they both said fundraising is about survival for privates. Without it they don't exist. One of my friends felt public schools know the tax payer is there providing and in some cases that was good enough. The privates never had that option. The privates had to learn to fish to live, most public's just take the free fish given by tax payers.

Shocking to hear that public schools just take free fish from tax payers...


Perhaps if more tax payers complained about the ridiculous number of public colleges across Indiana there would be more "free fish swimming around Indiana..."

 

[shootingsycamore]

TWOMINUTEDRILL,your friends observations are on the $$. There's another dimension that has significant impact. An example I've used before but rings true at the "privates' is the fact that from the moment an undergrad steps on campus, pride in the institution is instilled in he or she. They're basically told what it means to be a Princeton Tiger, USC Trojan etc.and that it's a lifetime commitment. That's when alumni cultivation starts. Pride in Alma Mater lasts a lifetime, hence estate gifts from alums to the college. You also see the same at the bigger publics. We've all been to events (football notably) at Big Ten,SEC (nothing like Tuscaloosa on game day) etc. and have seen the pride. Development Officers at not just the privates but at the successful publics, have a deep and abiding respect for the alumni and the institution. Understanding not just the history but the culture of the institution is critical in Development work.