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Government agencies unjustly targeting GCU

https://news.gcu.edu/press-releases/government-agencies-unjustly-targeting-gcu/

Now, for political or ideological reasons we don't understand, some in our federal government want to undermine those efforts. While we have taken the high road and continuously worked cooperatively and professionally with these individuals over the past five years, given their clear motivations and recent actions, we can no longer stay silent and allow their coordinated efforts to impugn the reputation of this university and the many faculty and staff who go above and beyond to ensure we provide the best possible service to our students.

This looks like a frivolous lawsuit to me from a hostile liberal administration hell bent on tarnishing the good reputation of a legitimate conservative Christian College. The article linked above refutes each and every frivolous charge which should be rejected by a court of appeals. Another example of an administration weaponizing various government agencies against its political and ideological opponents. This has no place in a legitimate government. This is the stuff of autocrats and tyrants.

"The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality."

As of this article written on October 26, I don't see Valpo University on the list. Why is that?
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/100-colleges-and-universities-across-the-nation-form-coalition-standing-with-israel-against-hamas-301968953.html

https://twitter.com/UNCKirschner/status/1689376879437086720

From article in previous post:

The ELCA pays for abortion for any reason in the denomination's healthcare plan which is funded by offering dollars.

The ELCA ordains practicing homosexuals and now also transgender pastors.

Popular ELCA pastor Nadia Bolz-Webber led the students to say after her "I renounce the lie that queerness is anything other than beauty." At the youth gathering an 11-year-old boy who thinks he is a girl was put on stage to promote transgenderism.

A Chicago newspaper asked ELCA head bishop Elizabeth Eaton if Hell exists. Her response: "It may, but I think it is empty."

Recently The Christian Post reported on the ELCA promoting a prayer to "Mother God."  If you go to herchurch.org, you will find an ELCA congregation in California which worships "Our Mother who is within us..."  The church's pastor led the women on a retreat in which she gave each a lump of clay to fashion their own Asheroth goddess statue so they could worship the "forbidden divine feminine." My alma mater, the ELCA's Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, held a commemoration service for the Transgender Day of Remembrance in which the transgender preacher led the students in the Lord's Prayer, saying "Our Mother in heaven."

Like I said, ELCA is lukewarm and has conformed itself to the pattern of this world. Of the world, not in the world.

The only problem is what does the "Dog Pound" have to do do with or share in common with "Beacons"?  I do not want to bring up any conversation concerning the nickname/mascot disaster, but lets face it, the new thing was one of the most stupid marketing programs in college basketball history so it is going to be hard to find a good way to create a new, innovative approach to the student section thing.

Yep the tail wagged the dog on that piss-poor decision.

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In 1999, Mark Few, an assistant coach under Fitzgerald, was promoted to head coach after Fitzgerald's retirement.
Few's appointment marked a turning point in Gonzaga's basketball program.
NCAA Tournament Success (Late 1990s - Early 2000s):

Actually Dan Monson was Fitzgerald's replacement and during his two years at the helm put Gonzaga on the map by getting to the Elite Eight.  Then Monson made the classic college coaching mistake of thinking the grass would be greener at a Power 5--this time Minnesota.

It is well known that AI at this point is often wrong and should not be relied upon. The creators know this is an ongoing problem. They are doing all they can to train it not to make stuff up.
OTOH, it is quite helpful and accurate even with the errors and I'm guessing it will get better and better with time. If what you say is true about Dan Monson, well, AI missed that one.

One recent example mentioned on another thread involving a lawyer's use of AI got himself in a bit of trouble:

A lawyer representing a man in a personal injury lawsuit in Manhattan has thrown himself on the mercy of the court. What did the lawyer do wrong? He submitted a federal court filing that cited at least six cases that don't exist. Sadly, the lawyer used the AI chatbot ChatGPT, which completely invented the cases out of thin air. The lawyer in the case, Steven A. Schwartz, is representing a man who's suing Avianca Airlines after a serving cart allegedly hit his knee in 2019. Schwartz said he'd never used ChatGPT before and had no idea it would just invent cases.

In fact, Schwartz said he even asked ChatGPT if the cases were real. The chatbot insisted they were. But it was only after the airline's lawyers pointed out in a new filing that the cases didn't exist that Schwartz discovered his error. (Or, the computer's error, depending on how you look at it.)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattnovak/2023/05/27/lawyer-uses-chatgpt-in-federal-court-and-it-goes-horribly-wrong/?sh=30f98a223494

[Grand Canyon is a fraudulent university run by fraudulent people. Beyond the clearly fraudulent financial dealings of its senior executives (which I have discussed in prior postings), almost all of their classes are taught by instructors - not tenured and tenure-track professors and not full time clinical professors with years of professional experience. Their colleges seek accreditation from the bodies with the lowest standards. Imagine going to university for four years to study a field like accounting and then no mid- or large-tier accounting firms or no established firms will hire you because your degree has little credibility...that is the Grand Canyon experience.]

American universities have been bastions of liberalism for decades. There may have been a time when they were close enough to center that a conservative with deep pockets could influence change, but liberal ideology has shifted too far left in recent years to bridge what has become a chasm between "the 2 Americas." Instead, donor money is pouring in to build up conservative bastions such as Liberty and Grand Canyon, two of the fastest growing universities in the United States.

In regards to the donation issue being a 'Cadillac problem', I guess you would be fine with Valpo accepting a large donation from George Soros in which Valpo agrees to teach courses emphasizing his economic principles. However, I certainly would not be in favor of such a deal.

Grand Canyon is a fraudulent university run by fraudulent people. Beyond the clearly fraudulent financial dealings of its senior executives (which I have discussed in prior postings), almost all of their classes are taught by instructors - not tenured and tenure-track professors and not full time clinical professors with years of professional experience. Their colleges seek accreditation from the bodies with the lowest standards. Imagine going to university for four years to study a field like accounting and then no mid- or large-tier accounting firms or no established firms will hire you because your degree has little credibility...that is the Grand Canyon experience.

For Hillsdale and Liberty, they seem very effective at preparing people to live in a bubble...an imaginary homogenous world where everyone has the same worldview. However, we will always live in a world with people of many beliefs, backgrounds, ideologies.

[Early Years (Late 19th Century - Early 1990s):]

Gonzaga's transformation from a small mid-major program to a powerhouse in Division I men's basketball is indeed an impressive and unique story. The program's success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including leadership, vision, support from various stakeholders, and a commitment to excellence. Here's an outline of their journey to success:

Early Years (Late 19th Century - Early 1990s):

Gonzaga University, located in Spokane, Washington, established its basketball program in the late 19th century.
Throughout much of its early history, Gonzaga's basketball team was considered a mid-major program, achieving some success regionally but not on the national stage.

Hiring of Dan Fitzgerald (1985):

In 1985, Gonzaga hired Dan Fitzgerald as the head coach of the men's basketball team.
Fitzgerald's leadership and coaching abilities laid the groundwork for the program's future success.

Mark Few's Appointment (1999):


In 1999, Mark Few, an assistant coach under Fitzgerald, was promoted to head coach after Fitzgerald's retirement.
Few's appointment marked a turning point in Gonzaga's basketball program.
NCAA Tournament Success (Late 1990s - Early 2000s):

Under Mark Few's leadership, Gonzaga began to gain national attention with consistent appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
Notable successes in the tournament, including deep runs and upsets, helped raise the program's profile.
Investment in Facilities and Resources:

To compete at a higher level, Gonzaga invested in state-of-the-art facilities for its basketball program.
This included upgrading their arena, practice facilities, and investing in recruiting resources.

Recruiting and Player Development:

Gonzaga's coaching staff, led by Mark Few, excelled in identifying and recruiting talented players both domestically and internationally.
The program developed a reputation for player development, turning underrated recruits into NBA-caliber talents.
Consistent Success and Media Exposure:

Gonzaga's sustained success in the NCAA Tournament and regular-season dominance garnered significant media attention.
Increased media exposure helped attract even more talented players to the program.
Support from University Leadership and Donors:

The success of Gonzaga's basketball program received strong support from the university's leadership, including the president, board of directors, and athletic director.
Donors and alumni also played a crucial role by providing financial support, allowing the program to grow and maintain its competitiveness.

Conference Realignment (2011):

In 2011, Gonzaga and several other schools formed the West Coast Conference (WCC), a mid-major conference, for basketball.
Despite being in a mid-major conference, Gonzaga's national success and strength as a program attracted significant attention, leading many to consider them a high-major program within the mid-major conference.

Continued Dominance and National Recognition:

Gonzaga's consistent excellence in both the regular season and the NCAA Tournament cemented their reputation as a basketball powerhouse.
Despite being in a mid-major conference, they consistently competed and defeated high-major programs, further solidifying their status as a major player in college basketball.
In conclusion, Gonzaga's rise from a mid-major program to a basketball powerhouse can be attributed to strong leadership, a clear vision, investment in facilities and resources, effective recruiting and player development, consistent success in the NCAA Tournament, and unwavering support from the university's leadership and donors. This combination of factors allowed Gonzaga to achieve what many other universities have struggled to replicate, making them a notable success story in the world of Division I men's basketball.

Having the support of the university's president, board of directors, and athletic director was crucial for Gonzaga's vision of becoming a major player in Division I men's basketball. Here's why their support is of paramount importance:

Financial Investment: The vision to elevate a mid-major program to national prominence requires significant financial investment. Facilities need upgrading, recruiting budgets need to expand, and coaching staff salaries need to be competitive. The president, board of directors, and athletic director can allocate funds and approve budgets to ensure that the necessary resources are available for the basketball program to thrive.

Long-term Strategic Planning: Transforming a program takes time and a well-thought-out strategy. The university's president, board of directors, and athletic director can provide the necessary long-term planning, setting goals and benchmarks for the program's development. They can collaborate with the coaching staff to create a roadmap for success and adjust it as needed based on progress and challenges.

Institutional Reputation: A successful basketball program can significantly enhance the reputation of the entire university. When the president and the board publicly support the vision for Gonzaga's basketball program, it signals to the community, potential donors, and recruits that the university is committed to excellence in both academics and athletics. This can attract more talented students, faculty, and staff and foster a sense of pride and unity within the campus community.

Recruiting and Retention of Talent: Top-tier coaches, staff, and players are more likely to commit to a program that has strong institutional support. Knowing that the president and the board are behind the program's vision adds credibility and stability, making it easier to attract and retain high-quality personnel. Additionally, they can offer competitive compensation packages and incentives to keep the coaching staff and players motivated.

Supporting Student-Athletes: The commitment to becoming a major player in college basketball goes beyond just winning games. It involves supporting student-athletes in their academic pursuits, personal growth, and overall well-being. The university's leadership can ensure that academic resources, counseling services, and other support systems are in place to help student-athletes succeed both on and off the court.

Navigating Challenges: Building a powerhouse basketball program will undoubtedly face challenges and obstacles along the way. Having the president, board of directors, and athletic director on board means that they will be there to support the program during tough times, providing guidance, encouragement, and necessary resources to overcome difficulties.

Brand and Marketing: A successful basketball program can elevate the university's brand and increase its visibility in the media and among potential students, donors, and partners. The president, board of directors, and athletic director can play a crucial role in marketing and promoting the program's achievements, creating a positive image for the university as a whole.

In conclusion, the support of the university's president, board of directors, and athletic director is essential for Gonzaga's vision to become a major player in Division I men's basketball. Their financial backing, strategic planning, commitment to student-athletes, and overall support contribute to the program's success and its positive impact on the university's reputation and community. With their unified vision, Gonzaga has been able to achieve what many others have not and solidify their position as a basketball powerhouse.

https://twitter.com/evanmiya/status/1677774525302456320?s=61&t=rvVIRCc0Iy1MgHjjNd30UA

[But it cannot stop admissions offices from signaling that they will consider the "applicant as a whole," and from making it abundantly obvious that an aspirant who begins a cover letter with "as an immigrant from Ghana" or "as the descendent of slaves" or "as a poor woman from Appalachia" will benefit from having done so. We are, I suspect, about to see an onslaught of clandestine resistance from our universities]

I feel the Supreme Court decision will not completely stop racial discrimination or disable university diversity in their enrollment. For many cases, the applicants race can be identified based on their name, location, zip code, etc. Based on that information, colleges can still maintain racial diversity without explicit inquiries about an applicant's race.

Not so fast.

Yesterday, I wrote:

I am aware that, even if it does, colleges that want to keep discriminating will probably find a way. Certainly, Congress can prevent universities from asking applicants their race, or from instituting quotas, or from publicly admitting that they favor candidates from one group over another. But it cannot stop admissions offices from signaling that they will consider the "applicant as a whole," and from making it abundantly obvious that an aspirant who begins a cover letter with "as an immigrant from Ghana" or "as the descendent of slaves" or "as a poor woman from Appalachia" will benefit from having done so. We are, I suspect, about to see an onslaught of clandestine resistance from our universities.

But, in today's decision striking down affirmative action, the Court made it clear that it would not accept that:

But, despite the dissent's assertion to the contrary, universities may not simply establish through application essays or other means the regime we hold unlawful today. (A dissenting opinion is generally not the best source of legal advice on how to comply with the majority opinion.) "[W]hat can- not be done directly cannot be done indirectly. The Constitution deals with substance, not shadows," and the prohibition against racial discrimination is "levelled at the thing, not the name." Cummings v. Missouri, 4 Wall. 277, 325 (1867). A benefit to a student who overcame racial discrimination, for example, must be tied to that student's courage and determination. Or a benefit to a student whose heritage or culture motivated him or her to assume a leadership role or attain a particular goal must be tied to that student's unique ability to contribute to the university. In other words, the student must be treated based on his or her experiences as an individual—not on the basis of race.

https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/a-key-provision-in-the-affirmative-action-decision/?utm_source=recirc-desktop&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=river&utm_content=next-article&utm_term=first

The main issue that I have with the HSI goal is that it is unachievable, since getting certification requires 25% of all students be Hispanic. In a general sense, unrealistic goals combined with executive leadership that drives to meet those unrealistic goals can lead to investments, incentives, and behaviors that are not good for the organization.

On the other hand, the university where I work (which is better positioned to achieve HSI) also set this goal and improved to about half of the required percentage. Many very positive initiatives were created that increased the likelihood of Hispanic students succeeding (especially those from first generation college student households)...initiatives that also helped a wider range of students. As senior administration did not excessively drive for HSI (they dropped it 3 years after announcing the goal), it did create positives for student recruitment and retention while avoiding the negatives that can come with unrealistic goals.

Today's decision by the Supreme Court striking down race-based admission at universities could further hinder Pres. Padilla's already improbable goal for VU to become an official HSI. As 84 mentions, a student fte population of 25% Hispanic already was likely unachievable and unrealistic for a school like Valparaiso, which currently is 10% Hispanic.

Good! "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." MLK

"The Harvard and UNC admissions programs cannot be reconciled with the guarantees of the Equal Protection Clause. Both programs lack sufficiently focused and measurable objectives warranting the use of race, unavoidably employ race in a negative manner, involve racial stereotyping, and lack meaningful end points. We have never permitted admissions programs to work in that way, and we will not do so today," wrote Chief Justice John Roberts for the six-justice majority.

Fans don't come to watch basketball to hear someone speak into the "highest quality" sound system. And the music in a place like the ARC is never going to sound like you are listening on a set of headphones. The band will overpower any other sounds. Having a great sound system is the last thing on fan's mind as being important. Don't waste money on this. No one is going to come to the games because of the sound system and no one is not going to come to a game because of a poor sound system. Only one thing will get more butts in the seats and keep them there. Winning.

 

That creates images of when I watched my daughters 4th grade basketball games years ago.

Jeanette Gray was on that team? The winning team.

December 10, 1921

Valparaiso University basketball team opened the season at university gym last evening by defeating Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, 29 to 3. The score at half time was 10 to 3, Valpo. The visitors failed to score a point in the second half.

Makes Powell look like Erik Buggs.

[I don't know how Luther would want us to act when truly strong forces start antagonizing reasonable people in that doctrine by overt anti-Christian cultural agendas.]

Might I recommend the two kingdoms doctrine taught by Martin Luther.   It lines up with Athens and Jerusalem and could speak to modern issues. He distinguished between Christians' dual citizenship in a "Kingdom of the Left Hand" (Secular government and courts etc.) and the "Kingdom of the Left Hand" (Spiritual guidance to yourself and others on a personal basis.)  The critical idea is that Christians should adhere to reasonable government for the order of things and use persuasion to influence individual people and policy in spiritual directions. 

He would not be an advocate for imposing a Christian ruler and even might be surprised trying "return us" to a "Christian nation." Certain a clear majority of of the founding fathers were believers and you can read that assumption into our documents. But the colonies were all formed to avoid the imposition of a religion. Stay in your lane governmentally. Sharia law is an example of not staying in your lane. So it tests the hope for stable pluralism. But this Lutheran concept seems appealing to young people

I don't know how Luther would want us to act when truly strong forces start antagonizing reasonable people in that doctrine by overt anti-Christian cultural agendas. These wokesters are powerful now. In the past they were just ludicrous protesters or cartoonish riders of floats in pride parades.  They could simply be ignored and allowed. They hold powerful roles in government and business. The latter is an astonishing achievement by liberals since corporations would by definition prioriitize profit rather than ESG and cultural evangelism.  This behavior ruins the responsible pluralism that would persuade people respectly from both sides.  The whole idea of Christians going out to purposely antagonize the left is no longer plausible.  They are merely reacting to the deluge of idiocy and evil.

Artificial Intelligence weighed on this question:


User
what would Martin Luther teach to his followers about how to respond when truly strong opposing forces of luthern doctrine started antagonizing reasonable Lutherans and that doctrine by overt anti-Christian cultural agendas.

ChatGPT

Martin Luther emphasized the importance of responding to opposition and challenges with steadfastness and a commitment to the truth of the Gospel. If faced with strong opposing forces and anti-Christian cultural agendas, Luther would likely encourage his followers to respond in the following ways:

Remain Firm in the Truth: Luther would urge his followers to remain grounded in the teachings of Scripture and the core principles of Lutheran doctrine. He would emphasize the importance of understanding and articulating the foundational truths of the Gospel, such as justification by faith alone and the authority of Scripture.

Defend the Faith with Reason and Love: Luther was known for his sharp intellect and his ability to engage in theological debates. He would likely encourage his followers to defend the Lutheran doctrine through reasoned arguments and engage in respectful dialogue with those who hold opposing views. He would emphasize the importance of speaking the truth in love, seeking to persuade others rather than resorting to hostility or aggression.

Educate and Equip the Faithful: Luther would stress the importance of educating and equipping his followers to understand and articulate their faith. He would encourage the study of Scripture, theology, and the writings of the early Church Fathers. Luther believed in the priesthood of all believers, empowering individuals to actively engage with their faith and defend it when necessary.

Trust in God's Providence: Luther firmly believed in God's sovereignty and providence. In the face of opposition, he would encourage his followers to trust in God's guidance and to rely on Him for strength and wisdom. Luther often found comfort and encouragement in prayer, and he would likely encourage his followers to turn to God in times of difficulty and seek His guidance.

Engage in Peaceful Proclamation: Luther was committed to the peaceful proclamation of the Gospel and the reform of the Church. He advocated for using the printing press to spread his teachings and engaged in writing numerous treatises and pamphlets. Luther would likely encourage his followers to use every available means to peacefully promote and defend the Lutheran doctrine in the face of opposition.

It is important to note that these responses are based on an understanding of Luther's historical context and his approach to challenges during the Reformation. Luther's actual teachings and specific guidance on such matters may vary, but the principles of remaining grounded in the Gospel, defending the faith with reason and love, and relying on God's guidance would likely resonate with his approach.

What a strange world in which we now live. 

Oh good grief, is this true? Never mind that last AI point:

Luther regarded the Anabaptist and radical leaders of the 1525 Peasants' Revolt as heretics. He wrote a pamphlet, "Against the murdering, thieving hordes of peasants" urging the German princes to put down the peasants' rebellion. They should be "sliced, choked, stabbed, secretly and publicly" by anyone who could, as one would treat "a rabid dog."

Yeah I think the idea that we can become an HSI is a possible achievement but maybe not probably but I also don't see anything wrong with a goal that pushes you towards ensuring you are preparing yourself to recruit and educate the fastest growing college aged demographic in your area.

I'm all for that goal as long as there is no preferential treatment given over better qualified students who are not Hispanic. Not that Valpo will ever have the problem of more students wanting to enroll over its maximum student capacity which many top-notch universities experience.

4,525 days
January 1, 2011 - May 23, 2023

Perhaps we should balance the highlight videos with videos of the lowlights?

Yeesh on the A.I. and tech idiocy.  Could someone please zap me into the 50s when things weren't so screwed up in universities and in our country in general.  I would even settle for the 80s.

The Bay area (and now silicon valley) has generally been a destructive influence on the country dating back for a very long time. Oakland is overtly fighting its police and expecting 7-figure reparations money.  I predict that aFter the movie industry leaves for Texas, Colorado, and many southern states, and the tech workers all insist on remote housing in cheaper states,  the state of California will essentially become a beautiful, but impoverished "sanctuary country."  The larger state can then thank the bay area culture and its movie industry that is warped so far outside societal norms and positive themes.

Progressives have destroyed California. And California is still a bellwether state unfortunately.

Projection.

The starting 5 and playing time is wide open. I don't think there is a single person that we can even pencil in that will be a starter. That is exciting!

Yes it is exciting but it is also unpredictable and terrifying. I wonder how this will translate for ticket sales? It might be more fun watching these guys lose by 15 than watching Matt's teams lose by 8.

Quack Quack