IT'S ALL ABOUT ME?,
it's certainly not all about we.
As the darma continues at our Alma Mater, occasionally a "slip ot the pronoun", reveals the "them and us attitude", and
reminds us of the Faithful Alumni being cast in the role of "outsiders".
The poor naive Faithful Alumni keep thinking that "We're all in this together.", while the WMU Administrative staff are thinking,
"only if you're a major doner".
In a previousl commentary DE accurately summerized the "pay to play attitude", while BF1 reflected on the highly valued "C" Card.
Most of us have wondered, from time to time, "Is anyone else reading any of these concerns?", beyond those of us that follow Bronco Athletics?
We have drafted "position papers" directed to the Pres, and individual letters to be directed to the Board of Trustees and Alumni Board, expressing
our concerns, if these matters continue to meander down the current path to ruination.
For those readers who are also concerned about the seperation of the Bronco Faithful from Our Alma Mater, perhaps additional letters of concern, directed to the
Pres, and the Board of Trustees and Alumni Board, might change this "Them and Us Attitude".
Well, someone must be reading this commentary.
There have been over 1700 views since our last posting.
That's over 20,398 hit's on the Alumni Association thread.
That's more views than Hockey.
Maybe, we could form a Team.
We could call it the WMU Alumni Association!
PS.
Thanks to my friends and colleagues, that have expressed support and concern on my recent
"escape" from the local medical facilities.
A few years back a 90 year old teacher who had married rich donated a million bucks to Western. The alumni association only needs a dozen more like her.
The majority of WMU grads are teachers, engineers, business majors, health career related, and probably theater majors.
Most of these people will make a few million in their life and will keep what's left for retirement. A few business majors may hit the motherload, and a tiny handful of theater majors will hit it big while the rest will be returning to school looking for another major.
The bottom line, there just aren't enough of those gazillionares to fill his pot of gold. It's a lot more fun wining and dining a few gazillionares than doing the hard leg work needed to garner a 100 bucks from 10,000 people.
FUN, FUN, FUN..........
Perhaps, instead of paying for all this administrative FUN, someone needs to go out the door.
Perhaps, someone who respects Western Michigan University, and it's faithful Alumni, should be
hired to run a functioning Alumni Association.
Perhaps, then everyone could get in on the FUN.
PS. I see the Pres visited the Japan Alumni Club during his week long trip to Japan.
When will he be visiting the "Alumni Clubs" in Michigan?
(05-29-2013 12:47 PM)JHoover Wrote: [ -> ]FUN, FUN, FUN..........
Perhaps, instead of paying for all this administrative FUN, someone needs to go out the door.
Perhaps, someone who respects Western Michigan University, and it's faithful Alumni, should be
hired to run a functioning Alumni Association.
I'll throw my top hat in the ring.
Letters of Concern.....
Be sure to point that out in your letter to the Board of Trustees.
THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM.........
I think were making progress, stay tuned...
words of wisdom,
"Respect all, Fear none!"
M. Busack, RIP
ONE STEP FOWARD........
.............TWO STEPS BACKWARD
It seemed like a good idea at the time.
June 24, 2013
Dear Director Beauregard,
For the past two months, we have been attempting to organize a "Meet and Greet" event
for our new Head Football and Staff, and the Loyal Bronco Alumni and Friends, of Southeastern Michigan.
Apparently, your staff seems to be confused about the meaning and value of such an event, and unable
to compile their thoughts, to commit to such an important project.
Those of us in the Southeastern Michigan WMU Alumni Association, have often expressed the opinion,
that the WMU Athletic Department, was far more sensitive and engaged with WMU Alumni, in promoting
OUR University, than other University Departments and Administration Staff, that still sees WMU as a
regional teachers college.
We are requesting, that you contact us concerning the arrangements of scheduling this very important
"Meet and Greet" event, for Coach Fleck and his staff, as soon as possible.
We are sure that you are aware of the importance of the Loyal Bronco Alumni base in Southeastern Michigan,
and the support of Western Michigan University's Athletic Programs, and the extensive Student-athlete base
available in this area.
Go Broncos! Row the Boat!
Sincerely,
xxxxxxx x. xxxx, President
xxx-xxx-xxxx
xxxxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.com
The Western Michigan University
Loyal Bronco Alumni
Southeastern Michigan WMU Alumni Association
AND THE ANSWER IS ?
OK, to make it simpler...........
How about a multipler choice answer.........
a) confusion
b) disorganization
c) indifference
d) incompetence
e) arrogance
f) all of the above
g) none of the above
h) your choice?
"We'll tell you what's good for you, and you'll like it!"
Inspires you to want to drive a couple of hours to a WMU athletic event,
and donate a lot of cash to the Gary Athletic Fund?
"We don't care what you think, just send money."
Perhaps, we should make our donations to our High School Alumni Associations,
and be put on an "A" List, for Appreciation, instead of donating to WMU, only to
be relagated to an "I" List, for Insignificant.
There have been over 250 views to this thread, since the last posting.
WMU money donations for the year stand at $61 million, including $41 million for the med school alone.
Rendering those of us that can contribute a few hundred in tickets and donations kind of irrelevant?
Yes and no.
The current approach is generating big bucks for the U. That is good, right? And the 80-20 rule has evolved to the 99-1% rule. Money comes from those that have it in spades. Effort is focused to generate the maximum return. And, the approach appears to be working, based on $$$$ returned.
But in contrast we have PJ tasked to get widespread involvement, fill the stadium, an oar in every pond.
Can you have it both ways? Hopefully. I hope the admin can find a way to be inclusive and accommodating to the average Joe that just wants to support his school and get a sense of belonging.
It is so obvious this situation reflects the state of society in general.
The 99% Solution.........
While some persons simply like to "go along" to "get along", many of us prefer to be a little more analytical in dealing
with the challenges and problems we're confronted with every day.
"It's like that everwhere.", is often overheard.
Most of us invested a lot of effort, time, and money, in the pursuit of "truth, justice, and the American Way", educationally speaking,
at our Alma Mater, Western Michigan University, than to simply acquiesce to mediocracy of thought and reason.
Eventually, someone may come to the realization that our Alma Mater is a public entity, supported by the tax payers of Michigan.
Many of us are of the opinion, that "writing off" the insignificant 99%, treads on "thin ice".
Even the local citizenery of Kalamazoo, some of whom are not Alumni of WMU, felt they had a voice in the "Affairs ofEast Campus",
as the drama unfolded, and rightlfully so.
Beyond this major donor philosophy, many of us feel that we are already "stake holders", in our Alma Mater, as citizens and tax payers
of the State of Michigan.
Recently, the WMU Alumus said to the Juggler of Reason (WMU administrator), "Get yur hands out of your pockets!, You should be able
to juggle more than one ball at a time!"
Just perhaps, you're not really doing your job, if a preponderence of your efforts are directed at the 1%.
Unless we aren mistaken, WMU funding was not specifically, or wholly didicated, for the pursuit of monies held by the 1% major donor population.
Covering the less significant 99%, through the use of self-promotional social media, when not everyone is "totally wired-in" to this phenomenon
is presumptuous at best.
What do you think?
I totally agree with both approaches.
1% = big money = 80-20 rule = go after the folks with big boats and deep pockets. Hello Mr. Obvious. $61 million? big applause, great job.
99% = moderate college graduates through some very successful middle class folks. Why would you not want their buy in and support?
I give as proof that we DON'T have it, exhibit 1 the struggle to fill Waldo. Of the hundred's of thousands of grads, we only have about 5000 loyal enough to buy a football season ticket? That's just flat weird. We should have 40,000 beating down the doors and a pressing need to fill in the end zone corners etc. Can you imagine the excitement that would generate?
In that respect I applaud the approach to hire PJ to be a cheerleader. It's a beginning. We need to expand and fill out that approach somehow. A well working Alumni Association is an obvious avenue to that end. Football is a good indicator, but lots of others exist.
(07-29-2013 09:26 PM)JHoover Wrote: [ -> ]Eventually, someone may come to the realization that our Alma Mater is a public entity, supported by the tax payers of Michigan.
Not nearly as true as it once was. 20 years ago, state appropriations covered 80+% of the operating costs of state universities. Now it covers less than 20%. This is why tuition rates have skyrocketed and why the focus of alumni associations are purely fundraising - no 'associating'.
YEA...........!
Let's hear it from all the "Athletic Supporters", and other Loyal Bronco Alumni........
Not responding to an e-mail invitation to the Athletic Director, is not a good way to do business!
But, I guess that says a lot, without saying......
Perhaps a few e-mails and letters to the Pres and others, might work?
Currently, we are taking that approach.
Your assistance in communicating with people of influence, both on and off campus, might
encourage a few of the decision makers, to re-think their narrow view of the Universe, and
would be appreciated.
Some of us are really PO'd about the state of exclusion and purgatory, that we are not deserving of,
nor accepting!
"Keep those cards and letters coming in!", might enable those that are entrenched in some
"deep academic and administrative trench of thought", to open their minds to a more
inclusionary, Functioning Alumni Association.
The WMU Administrators should be directing efforts to "capture" something closer to 100% participation,
versus pursuing the "elite one-percenters" and the exclusion of the "irrelevant nine-nine per centers".
BTW, for those that have bought into the non-association philosophy, the 99% probably have more
money to donate, if they didn't feel excluded and insulted.
Shifting the blame to the legislature, isn't going to work.
"What ya go'na do when the well runs dry?", with the 1%?
Turn to the previously ignored 99%?
GO FISH!
Once again, 'Keep those Cards and Letters Coming In!"
Thank You for Your Support......
What do you think?
THE CASE OF THE FAULTY HYPOTHESES ?
As those in some seat of power, sit at the head of the table(the power seat), directing the obedient staff, something like conducting a choir, we're sure, if not in unison,
every participant nods in affirmation, and responds, "that's right, that's right, good idea", or words to that effect.
Yes, the possible positive effects of Management by Committee, are often corrupted, if there is not a free exchange of creative ideas and input by staff.
And even then, without the input of "outsiders", whoever they may be, to keep the "train on the tracks of reality", there may not be enough reality, if their personal motivations
for participation, are their primary reasons for their presence.
Too often, these attendees/members, fall victim to the "go along" to get along", entrapment.
Too often, they do nothing but bring a "warm seat" to the table".
Too often, they are told what to affirm, and "go along to get along" to survive as a condition of employment, or membership.
Recently we heard, "We want team players, but not someone who's too smart."
It's that old, "We don't care what you think, get back to work!"
"You're not paid to think, you're paid to work!"
Usually, the smart ones leave, after they've "figured things out".
We're all reminded of the self-absorbed persons who operate under the illusion, "I can do what ever I want to, as long (or until) I get caught."
That's right up there withthe FB quote, frequently used by BF1, "you really can't trust someone, who always kisses your ass."
We've also heard, "OK smart ass, what do you suggest? Do you have a better plan?"
"As a matter of fact, we reply, "We have an outline of an extensive plan entitled, "The New WMU Alumni Association, a Plan for Redemption."
When things really get out of control, and enough disrespect and insulting exclusion, attracts enough attention, the embarrassment of being "found out",
may necessitate corrective action.
There's always someone around that's trying to elevate their status, at the expense of others, like only "dealing" with the 1% elite, and ignoring the 99% rabble.
Finally, we are amazed, to find out, as DE stated, that there are only barely over 4000 season tickets sold for Waldo?!
That's all ? ! That's it ? !
That's embarrassing!
Is this a result of not engaging the neglected 99% rabble, and not responding to invitations?
Who's in charge? Anyone?
Is it a wonder, why the program operates at a loss.
Bad Business model? Bad advice? Arrogance?
"Keep those cards and letters coming in!"
What do you think?
There have been over 550 views to this thread since our last posting.
Ibid and Op Cit.
YOU CAN TAKE THAT TO THE BANK?,
but with that won-lost record, you don't have much collateral !
At least the game commentators, made an occasional complementary comment.
Most of us, at one time or another, have been the "New Person", in the class, office,
section, school, shop, unit, etc.
And most of us are empathetic with persons who find themselves in that position,
a position most of us have been in, if we've been anywhere in our lifetimes.
However, many of us have also observed, and experienced the phenomena of the person
who arrives on the scene and announces:
"I'm the new sheriff.I just rode into town on a white horse to clean up Dodge!"
"You guys are really FU, and don't know what you're doing, and never have known
what you were doing!"
"You guys are really dumb!" (stated or implied)
"I'm here to straighten this mess out, and save you from yourself!" (the Savior Complex)
Many of us have stepped forward, and simply stated or implied,
"Have some more rope!", or
"Here's a bigger shovel, to dig yourself into a deeper hole!"
Still, when wisdom prevails, the new sheriff in town(PJ), gets the benefit of the doubt.
Most of us feel that's fair, or a desperate situation, with no way out, in the immeadiate future.
It's going to be a long season.
Several on the Board have stated that PJ is alienating the Alumni/Old Farts with his
"new vision and traditions."
Well, many of the Loyal Bronco Alumni are of the opinion, that this has been the attitude
of certain WMU Administrators, for at least the last three years.
"NO ASSOCIATING!"
So the new sheriff can't take all the credit for alienating the Alumni/Old Farts,
The One's With More Disposal Income, that usually stay for the whole game, mostly
the 99%ers, many of whom have to walk up-hill to get out of town.
BTW, it's the 99%ers that fill Waldo Stadium, University Field House, and maybe even
Lawson Arena, and Hyames Field, probably not the 1%ers.
It's nice to encourage the students(who pre-pay) to attend games at Waldo, but NOT at the
expense of driving the Loyal Bronco Fans, Alumni and Old Farts away.
The WMU Administrators are doing a fine job of alienating the Alumni, without PJ's help.
Then each year as Waldo Stadium gets emptier and emptier, and more games are scheduled
so Western Michigan University can get "ground-up into hamburger"for these big money games,
to cover the financial short-fall in the Athletic Programs, by schools with at least twice as big,
with over twice the revenue/budget, and four or more deep at each position, versus two deep,
at WMU, the vicious circle is complete!
Maybe someone should work on improving the Alumni/"Old Farts" attendance and participation.
You know, The One's With More Disposal Income!
Out of a staff of forty-three, doesn't anyone do demographics?
Do the just rely on Devine Guidence?
There's nothing like getting the "snot beat out of you" in front of a national audience!
It's bad enough at Waldo Stadium.
Everybody loves a winner. Nobody loves a loser.
On a more positive note, initial contact has been made with at least three WMU Administrators,
concerning the "NO Associating!" rule.
Hopefully, the yet planned meetings, will generate some supportive discussions and positive results.
Is "cautiously optimistic" an oxymoron?
However, several of us have first hand experience dealing with WMU Administrators, ove the years,
and are aware of the "game", where established committes and projects disappear, and seemingly
evaporate, as a way of dealing with issues.
Some refer to it as "Sweeping it under the carpet".
Keep those cards and letters coming in!
(to the President, and others. It may be working!)
There have been over 750 views to this thread since our last posting!
The thought of the day:
Most of us that have played sports, always play to win.
We have found that many University Administrators, play to survrve and/or retire.
What do you think?
Best post yet. And they do play to survive and retire.
Your point that they are pushing the 99%ers with most of the disposable income away is spot on.
Understand, bureaucrats are always the last ones to figure it out.
I follow his posts and love his perspective and ability to challenge all of us. Keep going!
This insane diatribe is entertaining but I don't see the point. If you feel alienated get involved. Or don't.
Whoosh. That explains a lot.
Why would you say that to him of all people Liam? I'm certain he hasn't directed anything like that at you.