The University of Oregon alumni give virtually all their money to athletics.
“It’s called a donation or a contribution … when, in fact, as we have discovered in our research … it’s a transaction,” [Dennis] Howard said. “It has nothing to do with giving back to the University or a philanthropic motive. It is purely and simply a commercial transaction in which the individual is paying for tangible benefits: better seat location, access to the Autzen Club amenities. All of those things are driving those transactions.”
A UO student who has worked in the alumni office comments: “Supporting academics means supporting an idea, whereas an athletic donation is something a donor can see and enjoy.”
Me no like idea! BOO.
February 17th, 2011 at 5:33PM
[…] But check it out: University sports get amazing tax subsidies. They take huge amounts of money away from academics and impoverish undergraduates through high athletic fees. They make the admissions and retention […]