In a Friday email to the Post-Tribune, a university spokesperson said officials explored other funding options but the
Dick Brauer, founder of the Brauer Museum of Art at Valparaiso University, pauses while speaking at Pines Village Retirement Communities in Valparaiso, Indiana, Feb. 6, 2023. Brauer has said if the university plans to sell millions of dollars in artwork he wants his name removed from the museum. While Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy issued a statement supporting Valparaiso University President Jose Padilla and the decision, students, faculty and alumni are outraged.to Padilla’s office to present their letters against the decision, faculty members drafted a letter to the Faculty Senate leadership decrying the move.
“The presentation included housing numbers and loss of revenue over time, the cost/benefits of pursuing renovations, a case for the need for immediate capital, the authority of the President and Board in these matters, the issue of ethics, the managing of risk , and a brief background of the museum,” the meeting summary states.
Officials also said based on internal surveys of 2,000 students, housing conditions appear to be a primary negative factor in the student experience. As far as the trust of future donors, “the risk of damaging donor relationships is real, but in practice across institutions, strategic imperative trumps the fear of that happening,” according to the meeting summary.
Good for them. At least they’re not WASTING money borrowing! And not, most importantly, they are not burdening students with higher tuition.