Posted on 10/01/2004 11:31:01 AM PDT by batter
UVSC expects continued support from most donors
After two weeks of tempest, the storm of controversy swirling around Michael Moore's much-debated, much-anticipated appearance at Utah Valley State College appears to be waning.
And that's a relief for UVSC chiefs, who braced for any financial repercussions over bringing the "Fahrenheit 9/11" filmmaker to Utah Valley, which during the 1980s earned the moniker as the most Republican county in the nation.
"What we heard the first few days was a natural reaction, and I don't think people can be blamed for feeling that way," said Tom Heal, director of the UVSC Foundation, the college's fund-raising arm.
"But I don't think our loss is going to be substantial. I think the majority of our donors will stay with us and will want to maintain their support."
UVSC isn't taking chances, however. College leaders are seeking face-to-face meetings with the college's major donors to head off concerns about the student government's decision to pay Moore $40,000 of student fees to speak Oct. 20.
Top college leaders insist that no donors have actually pulled funding from the state school, although several donors have threatened to do so.
"We're trying to communicate with our donor base and remind them of all the good things the college does day to day," said Derek Hall, UVSC spokesman. "We're out contacting people and keeping the lines of communication open."
No amount of persuasion, however, will convince former Springville Mayor Hal Wing to share a $1.4 million art collection with UVSC's Woodbury Art Gallery.
Although he's a UVSC fan and former donor, he's promised the art and a significant donation to nearby Brigham Young University — a decision based on his displeasure with Moore, whom he calls "a man who doesn't know how to do anything but spew his vile venom around."
"I do not have a vote or a voice at UVSC — and probably do not deserve one — but we live in a society where we have the constitutional right as free Americans to voice our opinion," Wing said. "We can vote with our voice, we can vote with our feet and we can vote with our pocketbooks, and I have decided to vote against this man coming to UVSC in the only manner I know how."
Hall said the college never finalized negotiations with Wing for the art collection and doesn't consider it a tangible loss.
And other major donors, he said, are backing away from threats to abandon UVSC, which receives 47 percent of its funding from state taxes. Tuition and donations make up the rest.
"The one positive that came out of this Michael Moore controversy, and I mean the only one, is that there are some legislators who want to rein in how student fees are spent," state Rep. Jeff Alexander, R-Provo, said at a leadership conference Thursday.
"I'm absolutely against that, but we'll have a great opportunity if they bring that up during the legislative session because we can say the reason student fees are so high at UVSC is because the college isn't getting enough funding from the state. If they want more say at UVSC, they'd better give it more money."
While financial concerns are being quietly resolved with donors, students at UVSC continue to raise their voices about the scheduled visits by Moore and conservative talk-show host Sean Hannity, who will provide an opposing viewpoint when he visits the college Oct. 11.
Tickets to see Hannity haven't sold as fast as those for Moore.
Those interested in hearing the liberal filmmaker snatched up 3,500 tickets in five days. But after a week of sales, close to 1,000 tickets to see Hannity remain.
An anti-Hannity rally is planned for Monday — the latest in a series of demonstrations and debates at the college — and students circulating a petition to recall the decision to host Moore and the student body officers who invited him have enough signatures to get a recall election.
However, they are waiting to see if litigation against the student council is an option.
UVSC President William Sederburg admits that the brouhaha over Moore's appearance has increased political discourse on campus, even if it's been detrimental to the college's reputation.
"The appearance of Mr. Moore does not represent the best of colleges, but colleges do need to be forums for discussion," Sederburg said at the leadership conference.
He noted that Moore didn't stir up the same amount of controversy Monday at Ferris State University in Michigan, where Sederburg served as president before coming to UVSC in fall 2003
"He is not that controversial in Michigan, including the school I was at, where 1,500 showed up for his speech this week," Sederburg said. "There were five picketers outside, and the president's office received only eight phone calls."
I'm in! Bump.
"Michael Moore Gets Rich Off The Tuition You Pay For Your Kid" BUMP!
See you there!
Anyway, they haven't planned a rally so I told him not to worry about it and we'll coordinate with the college repubs (who haven't responded yet) in case he's unsuccessful. His group can then join in on the rally without any logistical concerns.
I freepmailed someone from the DC chapter to see if they have any sign graphics etc available. We'll see what they come up with.
PS - I'm proud to say that I'm freeping in my pajamas. Good night all.
LOL!
Binger - they state someone will donate signs (I guess the mean you). Hopefully they have contacted you with what you need...If not, let me know and I'll call them.
Redrock and JPJones - You have freepmail.
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