FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Mr.Shoes]

Be honest--how many of us would have gone to SJU if it (1.) were entirely single-sex, (2.) required school 6 days a week, and (3.) required attendance at all prayer times?

If those were the rules, I doubt I'd have been welcome. I'm too Lutheran.

[johnnie_esq]

Johnnie_esq - it's clear you're much more educated on this topic than I, and probably everyone on this board for that matter (especially since there are virtually no Tommies - kind of like their attendance at FB games), and I'm certainly not trying to argue with you as to the direction of UST, but you've made my point (which is not contrary to yours) that, whether one likes it or not, chasing the Almighty Dollar is a higher priority to them than following the Almighty.

BTW, In my opinion, Bethel has made some decisions in that same vein.

I am not disagreeing with you on that-- actually, I think we are both saying the same thing.  What I am noting, however, is that, given the widespread use of this-- including at BU, SJU and UST, it appears to be more of a business necessity than a mere option and desire to be more secular. 

In other words, the problem isn't in the decision itself, because it was already made by the market in which you are operating.  The problem is in the market of operation-- in other words, society itself.

But that isn't what Kersten is saying-- she blames it on UST making those decisions-- instead of addressing the root problem.  That's what frustrates me-- make UST look bad for a decision that it couldn't help but make.

(By the way-- Universities tend to use those Trustee positions now as "rewards" for substantial donors, since the Trustees as a whole tend to be more figureheads than an actual policy-making group.  While there is no limit as to the size of the trustees, having too many diminishes the honor.  By not having the Archbishop as trustee, UST is free to honor another substantial donor in that way.)

[tmerton]

Be honest--how many of us would have gone to SJU if it (1.) were entirely single-sex, (2.) required school 6 days a week, and (3.) required attendance at all prayer times?

Uh, well - I picked a school that had all three (though #3 was gone after my freshman year).  And my alma mater is still fighting that nasty secularization thingie (even if they don't know their NT Greek) - see! 

[Knightstalker]

It is not just private schools that need to chase the almight dollar.  State colleges are in the same boat now.  In NJ the schools are either hiring or have hired VP's whose sole focus is on external fundraising.  There have been too many budget cuts taking money from the state colleges that they either have to do this or start raising tuitions to even more rediculus levels.  It is a sad state of affairs when state schools start being out of reach to the middle class.

[oldbethel27]

I am not disagreeing with you on that-- actually, I think we are both saying the same thing.  What I am noting, however, is that, given the widespread use of this-- including at BU, SJU and UST, it appears to be more of a business necessity than a mere option and desire to be more secular. 

In other words, the problem isn't in the decision itself, because it was already made by the market in which you are operating.  The problem is in the market of operation-- in other words, society itself.

But that isn't what Kersten is saying-- she blames it on UST making those decisions-- instead of addressing the root problem.  That's what frustrates me-- make UST look bad for a decision that it couldn't help but make.

The Catholic church is one of the wealthiest entities in the history of mankind, and they are very unwavering in their values.  However, I see your point that the church's "services" different in nature from an educational institution, in that the church does not have the burden of creating people who are marketable in the workforce.

[Klopenhiemer]

Be honest--how many of us would have gone to SJU if it (1.) were entirely single-sex, (2.) required school 6 days a week, and (3.) required attendance at all prayer times?

If those were the rules, I doubt I'd have been welcome. I'm too Lutheran.

Shoes....I could not agree with you more.  They would have taken one look at me and said hit the road, and take your beer helmet with you

[DustySJU]

Be honest--how many of us would have gone to SJU if it (1.) were entirely single-sex, (2.) required school 6 days a week, and (3.) required attendance at all prayer times?

Uh, well - I picked a school that had all three (though #3 was gone after my freshman year).  And my alma mater is still fighting that nasty secularization thingie (even if they don't know their NT Greek) - see! 

tmerton;  Now I understand why you love the great Minnesota weather!   

[cheese]

Strib story on Coach J was pretty neat - the entire Johnson family is pretty incredible.  If you're ever in Maple Grove on a Sunday you should drop in and listen to Dave Johnson preach at Open Door.

GO ROYALS!!!!!

[bennie]

It is not just private schools that need to chase the almight dollar.  State colleges are in the same boat now.  In NJ the schools are either hiring or have hired VP's whose sole focus is on external fundraising.  There have been too many budget cuts taking money from the state colleges that they either have to do this or start raising tuitions to even more rediculus levels.  It is a sad state of affairs when state schools start being out of reach to the middle class.

Remember that next time you vote! I won't bore you with my take on college costs, financial aid and access. Unfortunately it does seem that we are taking a step back to pre 1965 (Higher Education Act) when college was only a possibility for the rich (or those willing/able to borrow in large amounts).

[cobbernation]

Strib story on Coach J was pretty neat - the entire Johnson family is pretty incredible.  If you're ever in Maple Grove on a Sunday you should drop in and listen to Dave Johnson preach at Open Door.

GO ROYALS!!!!!

I will have to agree with cheese.  Very good article.  However, if you look at the mascot on his sweatshirt, the question is...What the hell is that?  It looks like the cross between an eagle/polar bear. 

[oldbethel27]

...if you look at the mascot on his sweatshirt, the question is...What the hell is that?  It looks like the cross between an eagle/polar bear. 

It's a Lion facing to the viewer's right, with flowing mane to the left.

[finsleft]

Win, loose or draw...Bethel has better looking women on campus to go home to. 

"Looking" being the operative word here.

[bennie]

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There's kind of a gray area in my opinion when it comes to dominating DIII athletes/teams. At what point does it become a question of "why aren't these guys playing at a higher level?" Wartburg wrestling in Iowa I think is another example of that. Their lineup is made up of guys who in a lot of people's opinions could wrestle for a lot of bigger schools.

I understand why kids go to DIII schools, I went to Central obviously but do these guys have the opportunity to play at a higher level? I'm guessing that they were maybe too small or not fast enough for some schools but sometimes you have to wonder why they didn't at least try.

I can see the other side of the argument with academics and the comfort of a small school but I guess maybe my argument becomes are some DIII athletes almost too good for this level?? It's kind of a catch 22. Am I talking crazy or does anyone else kind of see where I'm going with it?

The whole "Mount Union should be forced into a different level" argument is one that makes me want to laugh and pull out my hair all at the same time. Last time I checked, what division you play in is not linked to your level of success. If that was the case, should the Miami Dolphins be forced out of the NFL and have to join a college conference? Should the Timberwolves join the MIAC? As for the "too good for this level" argument, how about instead of athletic talent, we look at scholastic talent? Should really smart kids only be allowed to attend certain schools? "Sure kid, you might want to be a mechanic, but with an IQ of 180, you have to attend ______ College/University, no voc tech for you!!" The choice ultimately lies with the student...as it should! 8)

[jaypeter]

Bennie,  your post sounds like european soccer.

[oldbethel27]

What's with the Lion being the default mascot anyway?  I have no idea what a Gustie should look like, but a Royal should look something like this: