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Post by Big D on Sept 15, 2014 23:28:37 GMT -6
UIC is one of four finalists for the Obama Presidential Library...along with U of Chicago, Hawaii, and Columbia. Nice that we made it to the final 4...I think that shows we put together a very good proposal. For once, I'd love to see us beat out some more prestigious schools for something. It would bring some attention to campus. It sounds, however, like this is going to require a huge financial commitment, and when it comes to money, Chicago/Columbia obviously have the edge. Link 1Link 2
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Post by UICJohn on Sept 16, 2014 21:28:15 GMT -6
First, I must admit, I am not an Obama fan. That's putting it nicely. I consider him a terrible president. However, that's not the point of this. If it is good for UIC then I'm behind it and it would be national recognition to UIC. In that regard, good.
However, as you said Bog D, hard to see us raising more money than Columbia or UofC. If that is a requirement, then we stand very little chance
Additionally, I worry about all the negative press with the UofI as a whole. While what's happening at UIUC has nothing to do with the UIC campus, it reflects poorly on the UofI as a whole. However, we have our own problems as our Chancellor, and rightfully so, has lost all respect of the school.
Finally, and this might sound small, but Harrison Field is one of the few grassy areas on campus. I have always wanted UIC to take advantage of that area a little more - maybe benches or even some other small improvements to make a more inviting grassy area on a very urban campus.
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Post by UICJohn on Sept 16, 2014 21:31:16 GMT -6
On a side note, UIC did send students to Washington DC to help their presentation. If UIC gets the library or not, these students are a great representation of UIC and should be proud of their efforts.
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Post by insideuic on Sept 17, 2014 18:48:23 GMT -6
I think we're absolutely the underdog in this bid. but there are a compelling reasons to bring the library to UIC over U of C: One being Obama's election and presidency were supposed to be aligned with populist, anti elite goals and messages. UIC is in much better alignment with that type of legacy than U of C. But I agree, our fundraising prowess is basically no contest to powerhouses like UChicago and Columbia. The only chance would be if the whole UofI system got behind UIC (which, in case you haven't noticed, it has been totally silent re: UIC's bid).
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Post by axaguy on Jan 7, 2015 13:42:57 GMT -6
Recent articles in Chicago papers portray us as an also-ran in the bid process right now. I hate the speculation and guessing going on in the press. Why one institution is favored over another and so on. I certainly favor UIC getting the library for a lot of reasons including that I am an alumni.
Why should the "change of leadership" at the university weigh in on the consideration? Leaders won't/don't change at the other institutions over time? Or is it that Paula Allen Mears won't be the chancellor here, now? Was she instrumental in getting the bid in the first place? Will our new chancellor be insensitive to the importance and prestige associated with the new presidential library? I think not!!! How many presidential libraries exist today?? I'm thinking there's more at play here than the papers are willing/able to report. It's all guesswork, anyway, but..................
Food for thought on a cold, wintry day..........
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