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Topic: Bad college football stadiums
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Jeff McKinney
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Posted: 7/6/2024 1:59 AM
The restrooms and concessions under the stands are below average. And I'm not a fan of the wings. But otherwise, I think it looks good and it's a good place to watch a game. It's fairly attractive at night.
Pete Chouteau
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Posted: 7/6/2024 7:58 AM
Does a recruit care if the stadium concourse is crumbling? Or if the team facility is modern, the turf is playable, and the food is delicious?
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 7/6/2024 8:07 AM
bobcatsquared wrote:expand_more
Spent the day yesterday with rising high senior son on guided tour of the campus and came away thinking the whole campus could use a power wash and new coat of paint.
A grass cutting and weed killer wouldn’t hurt either
Mike Johnson
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Posted: 7/6/2024 1:04 PM
BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
Spent the day yesterday with rising high senior son on guided tour of the campus and came away thinking the whole campus could use a power wash and new coat of paint.
A grass cutting and weed killer wouldn’t hurt either
As I posted above, too few alums donate to the OU Foundation and designate their gifts to Campus Beautification. I learned that fact a few years ago when speaking to a staffer in Donor Relations. We were discussing how I wanted my next Campus Beautification donation to be used. Said she, "We wish more alumni donated to that fund. Not many do."
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SBH
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Posted: 7/6/2024 2:20 PM
Frankly, I don't think it should be the responsibility of alumni to fund basic maintenance. If you can't care for it, don't build it.
Mike Johnson
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Posted: 7/6/2024 2:47 PM
SBH wrote:expand_more
Frankly, I don't think it should be the responsibility of alumni to fund basic maintenance. If you can't care for it, don't build it.
Responsibility? How about strong desire to help alma mater show at her finest for alums and prospective students? When you think of buildings historic and new, how about thinking a little more broadly and longer term?
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BillyTheCat
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Posted: 7/6/2024 10:06 PM
Mike Johnson wrote:expand_more
Spent the day yesterday with rising high senior son on guided tour of the campus and came away thinking the whole campus could use a power wash and new coat of paint.
A grass cutting and weed killer wouldn’t hurt either
As I posted above, too few alums donate to the OU Foundation and designate their gifts to Campus Beautification. I learned that fact a few years ago when speaking to a staffer in Donor Relations. We were discussing how I wanted my next Campus Beautification donation to be used. Said she, "We wish more alumni donated to that fund. Not many do."
Why should I donate money for the university to cut the grass. I’ve watched the University gut the grounds and maintenance staff to hire more middle management.
SBH
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Posted: 7/7/2024 8:45 AM
I agree with BTC. I'm as proud of the campus as anyone but feel basic maintenance items - including cutting the grass and keeping facilities from falling into disrepair - is the responsibility of the university. Invest in maintenance; it offers a much better ROI than adding more vice presidents. Donations for campus beautification should be used for new features such as walkways, trees, signage, lighting, etc.
Mike Johnson
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Posted: 7/7/2024 12:00 PM
SBH wrote:expand_more
I agree with BTC. I'm as proud of the campus as anyone but feel basic maintenance items - including cutting the grass and keeping facilities from falling into disrepair - is the responsibility of the university. Invest in maintenance; it offers a much better ROI than adding more vice presidents. Donations for campus beautification should be used for new features such as walkways, trees, signage, lighting, etc.
Our thinking isn't entirely in synch. But there is some overlap. As to "new features such as walkways, trees, signage, lighting, etc.," some of my Campus Beautification donations fall into what you regard as worthy of supporting with donations. Example: After Howard Hall was razed and development of its replacement park was announced, I donated to that initiative. Result: Not only did I receive the obligatory Thank You letter, but also received blueprint of how the finish project would appear. Example: Once Lynne and I noticed that, at the campus main gate, pedestrians were passing through and immediately cutting right or left instead of using the brick walkways. We donated and said we wanted the money used to plant bushes and/or install benches that would "guide" pedestrians to the brick walkways. Then, yes, I have directed Campus Beautification donations to work that you deem inappropriate. Example: On a Homecoming Saturday, daughter Andrea and I were walking on College Green. We noticed that the Cutler tower needed attention as did the front doors on Wilson and McGuffey plus one of their roofs. We donated and said we wanted the money used to effect fixes. It was. I do see those "basic maintenance items" as investments in Alma Mater's long-term draw for students and alumni involvement. BTW, I agree with your concern with admin staff bloat. I once said to Rod McDavis that an experienced business exec could quickly cut staff by 20% and add to admin effectiveness. How many colleges does OU have? 8 or 9? How many have their own advancement staffs? Judicious consolidation would be welcomed.
http://www.facebook.com/mikejohnson.author
Last Edited: 7/7/2024 12:06:57 PM by Mike Johnson
Victory
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Posted: 7/7/2024 1:02 PM
Regardless of what we are talking about it is up to alumni to partially help fund any university. If it doesn't get that it will fall behind. They have X amount of dollars that they need to spend on everything and they know it. They get money from the state, money from tuition, and money from donations, and some is earmarked and some is general. As far a maintenance or beautification with respect to anything else it probably doesn't matter all that much what you specifically donate to as long as you donate. If you donate to beatification then probably, for the most part, less money form the general funds will go to beautification.
Last Edited: 7/7/2024 3:26:16 PM by Victory
Andrew Ruck
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Posted: 7/8/2024 9:21 AM
BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
Spent the day yesterday with rising high senior son on guided tour of the campus and came away thinking the whole campus could use a power wash and new coat of paint.
A grass cutting and weed killer wouldn’t hurt either
As I posted above, too few alums donate to the OU Foundation and designate their gifts to Campus Beautification. I learned that fact a few years ago when speaking to a staffer in Donor Relations. We were discussing how I wanted my next Campus Beautification donation to be used. Said she, "We wish more alumni donated to that fund. Not many do."
Why should I donate money for the university to cut the grass. I’ve watched the University gut the grounds and maintenance staff to hire more middle management.
Exactly. Mike, the discussion is about power washing, weed killing, grass cutting, etc. These are basic maintenance items that every organization faces and should be part of their very robust operating budget.
Andrew Ruck
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M.D.W.S.T
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Posted: 7/8/2024 9:35 AM
Mike Johnson wrote:expand_more
Spent the day yesterday with rising high senior son on guided tour of the campus and came away thinking the whole campus could use a power wash and new coat of paint.
A grass cutting and weed killer wouldn’t hurt either
As I posted above, too few alums donate to the OU Foundation and designate their gifts to Campus Beautification. I learned that fact a few years ago when speaking to a staffer in Donor Relations. We were discussing how I wanted my next Campus Beautification donation to be used. Said she, "We wish more alumni donated to that fund. Not many do."
Interesting.

OU has never been great at outreach, but my current donations go to athletics. Not enough to keep Boals in diamonds and fur, but I never even looked deep enough or was told something like "campus beautification" existed.

Everything takes money, but they should use OHIO Today and put together a full-spread of 10+ pages with donation ideas and what things are going to and maybe some ideas for the future. If I saw it spelled out, it might make it easier for myself and others. "It takes... ($150,000) a year to maintain the beautiful cherry trees along the Hocking River..." "Did you know it costs $2M per year to maintain East Green..."

Like someone else mentioned, I have a hard time donating to a blanket fund when you see things you think should be getting done - and aren't.
Last Edited: 7/8/2024 9:39:18 AM by M.D.W.S.T
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 7/8/2024 9:21 PM
Mike Johnson wrote:expand_more
I agree with BTC. I'm as proud of the campus as anyone but feel basic maintenance items - including cutting the grass and keeping facilities from falling into disrepair - is the responsibility of the university. Invest in maintenance; it offers a much better ROI than adding more vice presidents. Donations for campus beautification should be used for new features such as walkways, trees, signage, lighting, etc.
Our thinking isn't entirely in synch. But there is some overlap. As to "new features such as walkways, trees, signage, lighting, etc.," some of my Campus Beautification donations fall into what you regard as worthy of supporting with donations. Example: After Howard Hall was razed and development of its replacement park was announced, I donated to that initiative. Result: Not only did I receive the obligatory Thank You letter, but also received blueprint of how the finish project would appear. Example: Once Lynne and I noticed that, at the campus main gate, pedestrians were passing through and immediately cutting right or left instead of using the brick walkways. We donated and said we wanted the money used to plant bushes and/or install benches that would "guide" pedestrians to the brick walkways. Then, yes, I have directed Campus Beautification donations to work that you deem inappropriate. Example: On a Homecoming Saturday, daughter Andrea and I were walking on College Green. We noticed that the Cutler tower needed attention as did the front doors on Wilson and McGuffey plus one of their roofs. We donated and said we wanted the money used to effect fixes. It was. I do see those "basic maintenance items" as investments in Alma Mater's long-term draw for students and alumni involvement. BTW, I agree with your concern with admin staff bloat. I once said to Rod McDavis that an experienced business exec could quickly cut staff by 20% and add to admin effectiveness. How many colleges does OU have? 8 or 9? How many have their own advancement staffs? Judicious consolidation would be welcomed.
I bet that print of the finished product had visions of lush green lawns! Sadly, there are no more flowers or mulch around trees, they rarely ever paint trim or railings and if the grass gets cut once every two weeks, that’s surprising. Bottom line is that staff is 50% of what it was 20 years ago.
Mike Johnson
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Mike Johnson
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Posted: 7/8/2024 9:53 PM
BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
I agree with BTC. I'm as proud of the campus as anyone but feel basic maintenance items - including cutting the grass and keeping facilities from falling into disrepair - is the responsibility of the university. Invest in maintenance; it offers a much better ROI than adding more vice presidents. Donations for campus beautification should be used for new features such as walkways, trees, signage, lighting, etc.
Our thinking isn't entirely in synch. But there is some overlap. As to "new features such as walkways, trees, signage, lighting, etc.," some of my Campus Beautification donations fall into what you regard as worthy of supporting with donations. Example: After Howard Hall was razed and development of its replacement park was announced, I donated to that initiative. Result: Not only did I receive the obligatory Thank You letter, but also received blueprint of how the finish project would appear. Example: Once Lynne and I noticed that, at the campus main gate, pedestrians were passing through and immediately cutting right or left instead of using the brick walkways. We donated and said we wanted the money used to plant bushes and/or install benches that would "guide" pedestrians to the brick walkways. Then, yes, I have directed Campus Beautification donations to work that you deem inappropriate. Example: On a Homecoming Saturday, daughter Andrea and I were walking on College Green. We noticed that the Cutler tower needed attention as did the front doors on Wilson and McGuffey plus one of their roofs. We donated and said we wanted the money used to effect fixes. It was. I do see those "basic maintenance items" as investments in Alma Mater's long-term draw for students and alumni involvement. BTW, I agree with your concern with admin staff bloat. I once said to Rod McDavis that an experienced business exec could quickly cut staff by 20% and add to admin effectiveness. How many colleges does OU have? 8 or 9? How many have their own advancement staffs? Judicious consolidation would be welcomed.
I bet that print of the finished product had visions of lush green lawns! Sadly, there are no more flowers or mulch around trees, they rarely ever paint trim or railings and if the grass gets cut once every two weeks, that’s surprising. Bottom line is that staff is 50% of what it was 20 years ago.
Looks like that park will be designated with my next donation. (-;
http://www.facebook.com/mikejohnson.author
Mike Johnson
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Mike Johnson
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Posted: 7/8/2024 9:58 PM
M.D.W.S.T wrote:expand_more
Spent the day yesterday with rising high senior son on guided tour of the campus and came away thinking the whole campus could use a power wash and new coat of paint.
A grass cutting and weed killer wouldn’t hurt either
As I posted above, too few alums donate to the OU Foundation and designate their gifts to Campus Beautification. I learned that fact a few years ago when speaking to a staffer in Donor Relations. We were discussing how I wanted my next Campus Beautification donation to be used. Said she, "We wish more alumni donated to that fund. Not many do."
Interesting.

OU has never been great at outreach, but my current donations go to athletics. Not enough to keep Boals in diamonds and fur, but I never even looked deep enough or was told something like "campus beautification" existed.

Everything takes money, but they should use OHIO Today and put together a full-spread of 10+ pages with donation ideas and what things are going to and maybe some ideas for the future. If I saw it spelled out, it might make it easier for myself and others. "It takes... ($150,000) a year to maintain the beautiful cherry trees along the Hocking River..." "Did you know it costs $2M per year to maintain East Green..."

Like someone else mentioned, I have a hard time donating to a blanket fund when you see things you think should be getting done - and aren't.
I like your recommendation for stronger treatment of donation ideas. Preceding Campus Beautification the category was called Buildings & Grounds. Today you can use either term when donating. And as I've said, you can get very explicit with how you want your donation used.
http://www.facebook.com/mikejohnson.author
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 7/9/2024 9:10 PM
Mike Johnson wrote:expand_more
I agree with BTC. I'm as proud of the campus as anyone but feel basic maintenance items - including cutting the grass and keeping facilities from falling into disrepair - is the responsibility of the university. Invest in maintenance; it offers a much better ROI than adding more vice presidents. Donations for campus beautification should be used for new features such as walkways, trees, signage, lighting, etc.
Our thinking isn't entirely in synch. But there is some overlap. As to "new features such as walkways, trees, signage, lighting, etc.," some of my Campus Beautification donations fall into what you regard as worthy of supporting with donations. Example: After Howard Hall was razed and development of its replacement park was announced, I donated to that initiative. Result: Not only did I receive the obligatory Thank You letter, but also received blueprint of how the finish project would appear. Example: Once Lynne and I noticed that, at the campus main gate, pedestrians were passing through and immediately cutting right or left instead of using the brick walkways. We donated and said we wanted the money used to plant bushes and/or install benches that would "guide" pedestrians to the brick walkways. Then, yes, I have directed Campus Beautification donations to work that you deem inappropriate. Example: On a Homecoming Saturday, daughter Andrea and I were walking on College Green. We noticed that the Cutler tower needed attention as did the front doors on Wilson and McGuffey plus one of their roofs. We donated and said we wanted the money used to effect fixes. It was. I do see those "basic maintenance items" as investments in Alma Mater's long-term draw for students and alumni involvement. BTW, I agree with your concern with admin staff bloat. I once said to Rod McDavis that an experienced business exec could quickly cut staff by 20% and add to admin effectiveness. How many colleges does OU have? 8 or 9? How many have their own advancement staffs? Judicious consolidation would be welcomed.
I bet that print of the finished product had visions of lush green lawns! Sadly, there are no more flowers or mulch around trees, they rarely ever paint trim or railings and if the grass gets cut once every two weeks, that’s surprising. Bottom line is that staff is 50% of what it was 20 years ago.
Looks like that park will be designated with my next donation. (-;
Mike, please know that in NO WAY, do I mean do diminish your donations or loyalty to our University. I appreciate all you do, here and on campus through your various contributions. We just disagree on who should be paying for the grounds. And if your contributions are helping build the park, that is great, however, you shouldn't have to pay for Ray's Landscape to come and cut the grass for the next 5 years too.
Mike Johnson
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Mike Johnson
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Posted: 7/10/2024 6:35 AM
BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
I agree with BTC. I'm as proud of the campus as anyone but feel basic maintenance items - including cutting the grass and keeping facilities from falling into disrepair - is the responsibility of the university. Invest in maintenance; it offers a much better ROI than adding more vice presidents. Donations for campus beautification should be used for new features such as walkways, trees, signage, lighting, etc.
Our thinking isn't entirely in synch. But there is some overlap. As to "new features such as walkways, trees, signage, lighting, etc.," some of my Campus Beautification donations fall into what you regard as worthy of supporting with donations. Example: After Howard Hall was razed and development of its replacement park was announced, I donated to that initiative. Result: Not only did I receive the obligatory Thank You letter, but also received blueprint of how the finish project would appear. Example: Once Lynne and I noticed that, at the campus main gate, pedestrians were passing through and immediately cutting right or left instead of using the brick walkways. We donated and said we wanted the money used to plant bushes and/or install benches that would "guide" pedestrians to the brick walkways. Then, yes, I have directed Campus Beautification donations to work that you deem inappropriate. Example: On a Homecoming Saturday, daughter Andrea and I were walking on College Green. We noticed that the Cutler tower needed attention as did the front doors on Wilson and McGuffey plus one of their roofs. We donated and said we wanted the money used to effect fixes. It was. I do see those "basic maintenance items" as investments in Alma Mater's long-term draw for students and alumni involvement. BTW, I agree with your concern with admin staff bloat. I once said to Rod McDavis that an experienced business exec could quickly cut staff by 20% and add to admin effectiveness. How many colleges does OU have? 8 or 9? How many have their own advancement staffs? Judicious consolidation would be welcomed.
I bet that print of the finished product had visions of lush green lawns! Sadly, there are no more flowers or mulch around trees, they rarely ever paint trim or railings and if the grass gets cut once every two weeks, that’s surprising. Bottom line is that staff is 50% of what it was 20 years ago.
Looks like that park will be designated with my next donation. (-;
Mike, please know that in NO WAY, do I mean do diminish your donations or loyalty to our University. I appreciate all you do, here and on campus through your various contributions. We just disagree on who should be paying for the grounds. And if your contributions are helping build the park, that is great, however, you shouldn't have to pay for Ray's Landscape to come and cut the grass for the next 5 years too.
Thanks for the kind words, Billy. I don't take offense when folks disagree with me. One lesson I learned early in life: Disagreements can open minds - for both parties. Re your use of the word loyalty. I have a strong sense of loyalty to my high school and three college alma maters - OU, law school, grad business school. Chief reason for the loyalty: They led to many lasting friendships and contributed to a strong foundation for life and living. It's easy for me to be grateful and want to help them.
http://www.facebook.com/mikejohnson.author
Last Edited: 7/10/2024 6:37:00 AM by Mike Johnson
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