Messages

I graduated in 97, and I agree attendance was outstanding with Bryce. But my freshman year and the year before when I attended with my brother, yes the curtain started down.

I watched the game on ESPN+. I had a thought as I saw the low number of people in attendance. When I went to Valpo ('97), I remember that they would have the curtain down. People were expected to sit closer to the court, and if more people arrived, the curtain would be raised. Having the curtain down at the beginning did a good job of concentrating the people and keeping the noise on top of the action.

There is an article in the Detroit Free Press about Albion College. They are being investigated for misusing the endowment to hide the growing debt crisis the university faces.

I am not allowed to post external links yet, but check out the story.

Two alumni filed a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General with claims that the university is hiding its financial crisis through inappropriate uses of the endowment.

I share this article as a reminder that Valpo's Strategic Plan that looks forward to a changing academic environment is not happening in a vacuum. Small liberal arts universities and colleges are driving towards a cliff.

The proposed sale of the artwork causes me worry that the ship is sinking faster than we have been informed. If the administration is at the point of thinking of the art at the museum like flotsam and jetsam that must be thrown off the ship to prevent the whole ship from going down, then how close is the university from collapsing?

This proposed sale not only endangers the relationship of donors to the university, it will also require prospective students to pause before committing four years to this school. The significant layoffs, early retirements, and program eliminations that have taken place over the last couple of years has already caused concern among the parents of prospective students.

The momentum of crisis is dangerous. The strategic plan of the university has established imperatives for growth, but I am concerned that this university has forgotten what happens when confidence is lost.

NAIA and D3 schools succeed by building an atmosphere of student athletes. NAIA can still offer scholarships while D3 cannot. Concordia Ann Arbor is NAIA and is one of the fastest growing universities in enrollment in Michigan. Concordia Nebraska is NAIA and has a strong sports culture that builds on a strong academic background. The costs versus benefits of low-tier D1 schools is difficult to support without big TV money or success for the conference at March Madness.

Lorne Bowman II is transferring from Wisconsin. Wants to be closer to home. Valpo is closer to Detroit. Didn't we recruit him or offer him? Can't remember.

He has committed to Oakland University

LSU has some Level 1 rules violations coming down on them so players will be looking for a more stable future elsewhere.