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July 16, 2005
What a waste...
While I did not bring in this article to class when I read an article like this I just think WTF?!?! I have to appologize in advance for the craptacular writing style of the kstp.com news staff, but I have to give them props for reporting on things like this. President Bruiniks is having a little work done on the Eastcliff mansion where he resides and the University pays for. Anyone care to take a stab on the cost of the remodel? $447,095. How do you like them apples? You could build an entire house for the cost of a remodel that is taking place in the backyard! They aren't even working on the house!!!! I'm curious if anyone has ever ventured over and seen Bruinik's pad? I've biked past it many times on the river road towards Saint Paul and I just look away and get angry thinking the University spends money on things like this. All the while since I started school in 2001 tuition has gone up 50.4%. How nice it must be to not have a conscience.
BTW, since the University of Minnesota Foundation is shelling out $100,000 to pay for this I'd like to impose some words of advice. When you graduate from the University the ink will not even be dry on your diploma when you get a call from the U of M Foundation for a request to donate money. When I am in the position to do so I am going to contribute to the University because I think it is an import thing to give back. However, make sure you specify that your donation can only be used for needs-based scholarships or whatever cause you think is appropriate. Don't allow your money to be put into a general fund because it will go to crap like building Bruiniks a garden in his yard. Make sure you let them know too that spending money like this is irresponsible.
Comments
I wonder how many of those that have recently donated have brought their concerns to the foundation. I own a house that cost less than half the amount of this landscape job. I like your suggestion, Matt, and I'll remember it when I get that call.
Posted by: Patti at July 16, 2005 10:24 PM
I cannot believe that. Thousands of kids go into debt each year just to get a higher education and all of our debt money is going to this man's house. I cannot believe that tuition has gone up 50.4% in four years. Why does the University pay for his house anyway? Doesn't he get a paycheck to pay for it himself?
Posted by: Dianna at July 17, 2005 10:10 AM
OK, while I do not agree on using private individuals' donations to change the landscape at Eastcliff, the property is owned by the University, not President Bruininks. In my opinion, he does not need to pay for the repairs or the upgrades for that property. I am assuming, working at a nonprofit myself, that people have donated money specifically for that project. As Matt and others mentioned, you can specify where to direct your gift, how you want your donation to be used. For example, at my foundation, we have over 2,000 separate funds to choose from and they are growing daily... from unrestricted monies to support heart disease research to cancer research to Medical School scholarships.
Just another thought ...and by the way, yes they entertain for University purposes at Eastcliff.
Posted by: Debbie at July 19, 2005 5:19 PM
Even so, people at that 'rank' think they deserve it. Executives, Presidents, CEO's, the wealthy all feel entitled to what they have even when other people are starving and living in substandard conditions. Regardless of what fund the money comes from, we still have a class-based society and they will still take more of this worlds resources than their share, and believe they are entitled to do so.
Posted by: John at July 24, 2005 9:02 AM