Endowment of Campus Rec Fields
The Standard and Zachary Durhman, Director of Research and Development

1. What all fields will this encompass?

The fields that we are hoping may be endowed are the Recreational Fields by Taco Bell (informally called the Taco Bell fields) and the Recreational Fields behind Glass Hall (informally known as the Glass Fields).

2. Senator Bullock voiced some concern during the meeting that you guys may want to hold off on the resolution until Dunn was closer to finding some endowments. That makes sense. What is the point of rushing the resolution through before more details get ironed out?

I do not feel we are rushing this issue. The aim of this resolution is to put forth a recommendation concerning how that money could be best utilized for the student body. By offering forth this recommendation, it gives Brent Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement, and Cynthia Barnett, Director of Campus Recreation, a chance to see where students think the money could be spent, and it helps to ensure that students have a voice from the beginning. Establishing a general idea of where the money will go could also aid in determining how much money is requested to endow the fields, as well as possibly allowing for those interested in having the field named to have a better idea of where their money will go. This resolution makes the initial strides towards determining where the money will be directed, and it helps ensure that the money will be returned to the students.

3. When do you think is a realistic time for Dunn to obtain endowments (at least by the end of the semester)? Do you know is anyone has expressed any interest in endowing the fields yet?

We cannot predict when an individual or company will agree to establish an endowment. When those details become available we have the option of posing future recommendations.

4. Do you have any idea what type of dollar figures we are talking about for these endowments? What percent of the money would be put away to garner interest, and what percent would go toward annual Campus Rec equipment and facility updates?

This is not determined by us. By outlining our intentions in regards to how that money could be used, we help provide an estimate of the amount that might be sought. The specifics of the percentages of funds allocated to different areas would be determined by the members of the committee that would be formed if the appropriate bodies agree with the resolution. Of course, this committee will consist of students as the resolution states.

5. Who at Campus Rec have you talked to about this? What specifically would the funds go toward? Has MSU really just been under-funding Campus Rec that much, or why the big need for more funds?

Cynthia Barnett has been informed that discussions with Brent Dunn occurred. Where the funds are directed will be determined at a later date when a figure becomes available. We have a few ideas in mind of potential areas that could be improved, but this will ultimately be determined by the committee.

6. Can you explain why exactly this even has to go through SGA? Why can’t this just be between Campus Rec and Dunn?

SGA thought of the concept and then initiated discussions with Brent Dunn. Furthermore, money spent from this project will benefit the student body which is why we are recommending that a committee, with student members serving, be formed to determine where the money can be best used.

7. SGA is the voice of the student body. Why will the student body be receptive to this idea?

The student body will directly benefit from this method of distributing the funding; as such, students will be given a chance to have their voices heard through the members serving on the committee. The committee will ensure that the money is spent in a way such that the student body, through student representatives serving on the committee, will maintain a voice in deciding what improvements should be made.

8. Did anyone ever even consider naming the fields in honor of someone, or was giving them new names always just about the money? The fields will basically get to be named after whoever fits the bill for an endowment, right?

The purpose is to get a source of funds in exchange for the naming rights. Brent Dunn will oversee the endowment process so any criteria used for selecting a person or company will be determined by him.

9. I was wondering if any of the funds from the endowment could possibly go toward funding the new rec center in the future? Why or why not?

It’s not something we’ve considered or discussed, but we are always open to ideas and input.  It would be at the committee’s discretion.