Peaks and valleys
The history of the Speaker Series has resembled a roller coaster during the past few years.
Finding funding for the series has been an annual obstacle.
Currently, the series sits on a peak.
Last week, University President Michael Rao got the ball rolling again on the program with a one-time gift of $20,000.
Hopefully, the Speaker Series Committee will be able to bring a speaker to campus soon, maybe by next semester.
Rao’s gift was much needed — and appreciated.
But it’s not enough.
In fact, it’s exactly half of what’s needed to fully jump-start the Speaker Series, which used to operate on a budget allocation of $40,000 before budget cuts crippled the program and made it inactive from 2003 until spring 2006.
Rao came to the rescue in that situation as well last semester, giving $15,000 toward the series.
The result: In April, civil rights lawyer Morris Dees came to CMU and spoke out against hate groups.
So yes, things worked out last spring. And sure, Rao’s gift probably will fund the next speaker who comes to campus.
But we don’t need a repeat of last semester.
Why it matters
Even with the recent gift of $20K from University President Rao, the Speaker Series’ future still is in limbo
Because while Rao’s gift is nice, it won’t mean much next year if there’s no money again.
The Speaker Series is one of the most important events available to the whole university community.
The series manages to do what other campus organizations can’t — attract nationally known and high-caliber people who can speak about significant issues currently affecting society.
In the past, authors Maya Angelou and Neil Postman, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick have come to campus.
Rao donated the money for the Speaker Series from his own office budget. Although others may not be able to give that large of a gift, there has to be some way another $20,000 can be raised.
It may require fundraisers, donations or some other source of funding. It may take approval for funding from the University Budget Advisory Council.
Fundraising efforts for CMU’s New Vision of Excellence Campaign garnered a record $78 million this fall — including 16 gifts of more than $1 million.
This well-organized effort is an example of what CMU can do —when it wants.
If not, it won’t be long before the Speaker Series slides into its next valley.
