Letter to the Editor: Past president of Classified Employee Assoc. makes no apology

To the Editor,

In response to the March 8, 2006 letter by Candiss Petersen.

  She was rightly irritated by a letter sent to her, at her father-in law’s address.  She may never have given it as hers, but was tied to it through her husband, possibly as his permanent address, in Banner, USU’s new computer system. Banner verified that she was a contract employee.  She, like many other employees, wisely takes advantage of her educational benefit by taking classes.

  Candiss was sent a letter because, as she pointed out, she is a full-time, benefit-eligible employee. The huge majority of our fund-raising letters went to non-student faculty and staff, many of whom already generously donate to help students and needy colleagues.

  Candiss and her husband are experiencing the rising costs of tuition, books, and fees, making it harder for them, and many others, to continue their education.  This is the most important reason we are now in the middle of a faculty-staff giving campaign – to raise more financial support for students. As for our new $40 million library, the legislature allots funds to specific categories (buildings, salaries, operating costs, etc.) that cannot be used any other way.  Many buildings are also funded by private donations and grants, specifically for that. This means it is up to us to raise private funds for other important things.

  The USU Family Fund campaign is only to give all employees – classified, professional, faculty, and administrative, past and present, the opportunity to donate.  We all receive many requests from different organizations for financial support.  If not asked, we may not think to contribute. USU has many urgent needs that are only met through the gifts of generous faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. I do not apologize for asking for their support. You have options.  You can check the box on the pledge form that says “Donate” or “I cannot donate at this time.” Tear off the form, put it in the courtesy reply envelope, and drop it in campus mail.

Milton Johnson