I agree 73, AH is not a men's basketball issue. I would love for the men to fill up the WBA and stay there forever.
The big issue is that this place is the centerpiece of the campus and it is a piece of crap. Perspective students see it, even if its not "on the tour" and other D1 programs use it. Even when prep has games there, it is an embarrassment that kids and parents come in from competing high schools and see this dump as the centerpiece of FU athletics. It is pathetic that it has gone this far.
I recently had a conversation with one of the people charged with the direction and vision of the university. We were having a very cordial conversation. I mentioned AH and I asked about the, yes, peeling paint and simple things that need attention if the university is not going to be able do something in the near term. Well, the response was a sarcastic comment and the conversation was OVER!! I was shocked at the reaction. In my opinion, these guys are now in a hole they have no idea how to get out of unless a white knight comes in with a barrel of money. Peer institutions are way ahead of us (And I don't consider most of the MAAC schools as peer institutions).
Yes disco, I'll meet you at AH with a bucket of Benjamin Moore. But not to move mens bball back to campus. I'd do it to relieve the embarrassment I feel about my alma mater when peer universities and even high school parents see this place. We must stay at the WBA. If not, even more people are exposed to AH. And if it is ever fixed, I would hope the program now has enough interest that we are drawing a healthy 3000-4000 to the WBA and even more for big games. I love the WBA and truly believe it is a great recruiting tool.
Post by ctghostman on Apr 21, 2014 10:48:13 GMT -5
[quote author="FU73" source="/post/18720/thread" timestamp="1398023723 Rather than issuing challenges, grandstanding and accusations, I would rather see student/alumni/season ticket holder research done by the Dolan Business School's marketing program so as to actually see why the students, alumni and Stag fans go or don't go to the WBA. Find out what the real attendance issues are and what needs to done - comfortability factor, perceived safety, inner city fears, parking, costs, atmosphere, accessibility, inconvenience, team record, MAAC basketball or whatever. However, the renovation of AH is still a real issue and not an excuse for something else. [/quote]
Have we ever really taken advantage of our business school in such a way?
Dr. Dewitt should be thrilled that FU fully funds his philosophy department. IMO, philosophy classes are a nice have/not a must have. If I remember correctly, I needed 3 religion/philosophy classes - 1 of each and the third, my choice to graduate (I actually took two philosophy). Many grads will have taken just one philosophy class and have survived pretty well for themselves.
Dr. Dewitt should be thrilled that FU fully funds his philosophy department. IMO, philosophy classes are a nice have/not a must have. If I remember correctly, I needed 3 religion/philosophy classes - 1 of each and the third, my choice to graduate (I actually took two philosophy). Many grads will have taken just one philosophy class and have survived pretty well for themselves.
Just to set the record straight with some FACTS before we start bashing philosophy departments and majors: According to the ABA the best majors to prepare for law school: History English Philosophy Political Science Economics Business
Despite controversies surrounding the Rafferty Stadium construction, Reed, the senior administration and the Board of Trustees all believe the project to be an essential component for Fairfield’s strategic vision.
Alumni Field, the venue currently being dismantled to make way for the stadium, was in “very poor condition,” according to Reed.
According to the Board of Trustees’ meeting documents provided by DeWitt, “there are serious safety, usability and functional considerations,” concerning Alumni Field prior to project approval, Reed told the Board of Trustees on Dec. 5, 2013.
Even without stadium construction, Fairfield would have had to replace the artificial turf field, stands, lights and scoreboard, according to Reed.
The stadium is also designed to align with Fairfield lacrosse’s goal to make a final four appearance or win a national championship game.
“We ultimately are always trying to raise the profile of Fairfield University,” Reed said. “And not just raise the profile for the sake of raising the profile, but for what it does for the institution.
“The higher profile you have, the more your name is known. The more that people have heard of you, the more that people come to the campus and see the campus which translates into a better institution overall.”
While Reed said he recognizes Rafferty Stadium’s lacrosse emphasis, he also said the facility would continue to be used for a variety of purposes including intramural sports.
“An institution that is not building is dying,” said Reed......
Paulie, And where do you think Philosophy ranks with the majors you listed? Probably last. People with the most strength are usually less ostentatious while the weakest shoot their mouth off.
Mark Reed gets it. No question Rafferty and Rec Plex are in the best interests of the University. Athletic Facility spending has been postponed LONG ENOUGH.
Love the sarcasm, Z, but in this case, its not warranted. I, along with many others, want to know how this approach is economically sensible. Can two separate projects be less expensive than one? In addition, wouldn't making it one project give the planners more space and therefore more flexibility? I am NOT a proponent of a 4-5000 seat Alumni Hall, which is why I believe one project and a refurbished Alumni Hall with appx the same capacity,(2500 or less) would be the prudent approach and I would just like a reporter to ask the question.
I, along with many others, want to know how this approach is economically sensible. Can two separate projects be less expensive than one? In addition, wouldn't making it one project give the planners more space and therefore more flexibility?....
sobro, It is all about money. There is no doubt that two separate projects would be more expensive and disruptive on campus. Doing the renovation and expansion of the Rec Plex along with a renovation of AH would give the University and Cannon Design more flexibility to incorporate both buildings into a unified facility, especially the main entrance of AH. Only doing the Rec Plex renovation/expansion at this time saves money in the short run. However, the AH problem does not go away, does not get less expensive to renovate later and still is a negative to Fairfield University, especially considering it's location on campus.
I hope that I am completely wrong but my guess is that nothing in the immediate future will be done to properly renovate AH regardless of the quotes from the current administration - "it's a bad high school gym, it's past it's useful life, not up to Division 1 standards, it's not what you want to bring anyone to..." and AH will finally be renovated (to what extent?) "when funds are available". If funds aren't available in this capital campaign then when will they be available?
The much needed and long overdue renovation of Alumni Hall is NOT about Stag Men's Basketball or getting out of Bridgeport. From over four years ago, January 27, 2010:
“I don’t want to say I’m embarrassed to bring people in here … but it’s a bad high school gym.” Athletic Director Gene Doris said this to the Connecticut Post when discussing new plans to renovate Alumni Hall....
When Reed was asked about Doris’ comment on Alumni Hall being referred to as a bad high school gym, he said, “I think most people who have been in Alumni Hall in recent years — whether for a sporting event or another function of some kind — would agree that the facility is in need of an upgrade and falls below the standards for a university of Fairfield’s quality, depth, and breadth; a Division I Athletic program; and an institution that accommodates not only the needs of the University but also its prep school.”