University makes cuts
Cutting Programs and Entertainment from Utah State University lets go of tradition and student scholarships, but still benefits student activities and services.
Derek Furch, director of Programs and Entertainment, said, “It’s obviously a difficult thing, but the university is doing all they can to help in light of these budget cuts.”
Programs and Entertainment, most known for the Sunburst Club’s “An Evening with Glenn Miller,” Furch said, has tried to come up with additional funding in the past, but Programs and Entertainment has been cut regardless of any outside funding.
Additionally, students involved in The Sunburst Singers and Dancers will no longer have this program, he said.
“They will finish their contracts for this year and they will be done,” he said.
The Sunburst Singers and Dancers also receive a $1,500 scholarship which will be honored until the end of this year, he said
“I’m disappointed,” Furch said. “There’s a tremendous educational value in our program.”
Pat Terrell, vice president over Student Services, said Programs and Entertainment was cut because it provides the weakest support for the goals of the university to the students.
Programs and Entertainment is also projecting a deficit at the end of the fiscal year, she said.
Furthermore, students pay a fee for use of the Taggart Student Center, yet several weeks out of the year the Ballroom is taken up by “An Evening with Glenn Miller.”
The show only had two student nights, she said.
“This is not a student program,” she said.
Furch said the show costs approximately $300,000,including food, the orchestra, set design and travel expenses.
“The show pretty much pays for itself,” he said.
But this year attendance was down because everyone was focused on the Olympics, he said.
Usually “An Evening with Glenn Miller” brings in 7,000 to 8,000 people, but this year approximately 6,500 people came to the performance at USU, he said.
However, the show also travels to Burley and Rexburg, Idaho, and Ogden as well as other cities in the region, Furch said.
Andy Dilley, activities vice president for the Associated Students of Utah State University, said “Cutting the show hurts USU no matter what, it’s a tradition.”
It will however free up the TSC Ballroom for student activities and it’s a lot easier to schedule events, too, Dilley said.
“It’s always hard to schedule around Glenn Miller, that’s why Mardi Gras is celebrated in March and not February like it’s supposed to be,” he said. “But it’s not just activities benefiting from the cut.”
Career Services may be able to hold their Annual Career Fair earlier now.
“I think a lot of things can benefit from the cut, but its still sad because the show was a good tradition,” he said.