Terrapin Club policy unfair to older, more loyal members and should be re-evaluated
I would like to clarify some points addressed in a Diamondback article, “Policy allows grads to carry over loyalty points,” (May 9). The Terrapin Club policy converts student “loyalty points” to “Terpoints,” allowing new members to automatically pass some current members on the ticketing priority list.
The article said the policy limits the number of free points at 40 or “about a $500 donation.” However, according to Terrapin Club officials, the cap is actually 80 points, equivalent to a $2,000 “cumulative gift” donation.
If a 2002 graduate contributes $180 annually, he will have donated $900 by next year and will have 76 Terpoints. A 2006 graduate could immediately start with 88 Terpoints for only a $25 donation. Essentially, the 2002 graduate’s contribution would be negated by the Terrapin Club’s policy. He would be passed on the ticketing priority list because he graduated before the loyalty point system was adopted.
In the article, Terrapin Club representative Joe Hull said about me, “If the program had been in place when he graduated, I’m sure he would be in favor of it.” Hull, I am curious how you can be sure of how another person would think in a hypothetical situation. I would not back an unfair policy even if I were to benefit from it. I do not appreciate the implication I would be selfish enough to think otherwise.
I encourage others to contribute to the athletics department, and I support ideas to attract members to the Terrapin Club. However, doing so at the expense of the club’s most loyal supporters seems ill-conceived. I recommend the Terrapin Club re-evaluate this program and its effect on current members.
Brian Edwards
University graduate
Class of 1999
WMUC DJs fired because of station’s lack of communication, unprofessional environment
Max Novakowski is not only a liar but also a coward for thinking he can cover his rear end by writing a letter to the editor (“DJs fired for disrespect and damage to station’s reputation, not for saying band’s name,” May 9). As a friend of both Andrew Sterne and Niklas Rowold and a frequent co-host on their radio show, I have witnessed the professional operations Novakowski claims is a goal at student radio station WMUC 88.1FM. WMUC is run by students who lack the ability to operate an organization that uses money gleaned from student activity fees. Novakowski blames The Diamondback for misrepresenting the situation, and he blames Sterne for his “vigilante” behavior in clearing up this matter. In reality, after sending numerous e-mails to the WMUC staff without any response, Sterne sent one e-mail to the DC 101 program director. If this is the vigilante behavior Novakowski claims is so damaging to the supposedly sterling reputation of WMUC, then he needs to spend some time in the real business world and understand what running an organization means. Sterne asked a legitimate question of the WMUC staff and was not even given the courtesy of a timely response.
Novakowski is correct in saying this is not about the hosts mentioning Chevelle on the air. This issue is about the lack of communication that goes on at WMUC and its unprofessional environment. WMUC has become a joke on the campus and is clearly run by people who are, at best, incompetent. If Novakowski believes Sterne and Rowold’s actions were so damaging to WMUC, then he is not only a liar and a coward, but also delusional.
Ken Sonnenberg
University graduate
Class of 2003
