Speaker scramble: University should provide steady, predictable funding for program
After months of speculation, the Speaker Series received its third $20,000 gift from University President Michael Rao.
The gift is greatly appreciated. But it leaves the beleaguered series, once more, on a search to find someone as soon as possible. It's unlikely there will be a speaker this year.
The Speaker Series would benefit from some arrangement of steady, predictable funding. The repeated donations leave the series inadequately prepared; committee members were unsure whether to look for speakers because they were unsure whether they would have any money.
In this case, committee members were not able to use the fall semester to conduct their search.
More time for the search would means that the committee will be better able to select a speaker that will intrigue and educate students. It means committee members are not pressured to select the first decent offer that comes their way.
Though finances at the university are tight, it would be worth considering whether $20,000 could be trimmed elsewhere for relocation in the Speaker Series. Past speakers, such as author Salman Rushdie in fall 2008 and Ret. Gen. Wesley Clark in spring 2007, brought a lot to campus - and future speakers will do the same.
Having prestigious figures on campus provides a one-of-a-kind experience for students, and this can extend beyond a quick presentation. Clark spoke in a classroom with Honors Program students, and Rushdie hosted a Q-and-A prior to his speech.
The Speaker Series is valuable for students, and the university should treat it as such. Restoring funding should be a priority - even if it is not attainable within the next few years.
Similarly, Rao's money would go to better use if committee members could predict whether they would have it in coming years. The $20,000 could be used more competitively.
The series is still alive largely because of Rao, and we do not want to sound unappreciative. Nevertheless, if Rao wishes to make a more significant impact, an endowment, or some other consistent funding mechanism, would accomplish this much better.
It would assure students and faculty that, even in tough times, the university is committed to bringing premiere educational speakers to campus. It would not cost significantly more - especially if Rao anticipates donating money in upcoming years - and it would be more cost-effective.
Either way, the Speaker Series should be able to make the most of its money. Right now, it does what it can with the time it has. And this hasty arrangement is not enough.
