LETTER: BYU’s success not due to alums

To the editor:

Bob Henstra (from Feb 27) provides another example of a Cougar Fan deceived by the mythology and legend surrounding the greatness of BYU. Does he honestly think that the surplus of funds BYU has at its disposal is due only to the donations made by the alumni? Not only is it insulting to imply that only BYU graduates can get the “good” jobs and are therefore more giving, but he furthers the insult by also implying the benevolence of BYU for “agreeing” to compete at other locations, thus “helping them out.”

BYU has a large fan base because of its ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, not because BYU is such a better place to go to school as Bob would have you believe. In your arrogance, Bob, did you forget about all the alumni and current students of other colleges and universities who pay a tithe to the LDS Church, which financially supports BYU, BYU TV, and BYU athletics since BYU fulfills part of the mission of the Church? And don’t kid yourself into thinking that sacred funds aren’t used to promote the mission of the Church every aspect, which BYU is full of. Don’t believe me? Have you ever visited BYU’s website?

I’m not entirely surprised by the conclusions Bob arrived at in his article, seeing that BYU has yet to generate any critical or independent thought. Bob was never allowed to think beyond the “Campus that was his World” while an undergrad, or maybe even graduate at BYU. Contributions of “others” were never a possibility when considering the reasons behind BYU’s wealth and greatness, since Mormons, in terms of legacy and mythology, rarely recognize the hand of others that have helped them along.

Keep reassuring yourself that it’s because God loves you more than he loves the rest of us (your article was filled with self-righteous undertones) that BYU is a better, more preferred, and wealthier university. We all know that to be true because, even down to the simple insignificant fact of where you agree to compete in your sporting events, you’re showing kindness and mercy to others.

Brandon Watts