Share the Wonderful -- But Keep Hope Alive
UW-Madison has a new fundraising campaign called " Share the Wonderful ," which I first learned about through the alumni magazine On Wisconsin . In a time of fiscal austerity, all creative efforts to improve the university's resources are welcome and laudable. Moreover, I understand that the relatively low rate of giving among Madison's alumni (10%) frustrates some people. (Although, please note that last year Madison ranked 15th in the nation in total dollars from alumni--down from 2006 but not shabby.) But I think we should also consider how "Share the Wonderful" relates to UW System and UW-Madison's other goals and aims , such as improving the relationship with the legislature and the people of the state, and moving towards reinvigorated state financial support. Nearly every action has an unintended consequence or two, and this one isn't likely an exception. Despite frequent and vehement proclamations to the contrary, the future of state sup...