Michael Ellwood’s letter to the editor on August 30 (“A Marching Money Drain”) takes issue with the amount of money spent by the University on the Cavalier Marching Band, and argues that it is undeserved based on educational and business justifications. He goes on to say that the CMB lacks relevance to the academic mission of the University, making its two credits unwarranted as well.
According to the U.Va. website, “Activities designed to quicken, discipline, and enlarge the intellectual and creative capacities...of the members of the University...” serve the academic purpose of this institution. The CMB fulfills each requirement of this mission, allowing students an opportunity to expand the creative capacity and output of this University alongside their individual academic pursuits. Furthermore, Mr. Ellwood believes that the solution to an underfunded and underdeveloped music major is to take away the performance credits given to its highest-enrolled classes. Not only is this argument illogical, it is directly contrary to the academic mission of this University.
Next, Mr. Ellwood describes the money allocated to the CMB as a form of “income redistribution” from academic programs to athletics. The CMB is a unique institution, bridging the gap between academics and athletics, and affording students a medium through which to contribute to the excellence of this University. This form of institution allows students to contribute to the academic capacity of U.Va. and expand their individual leadership abilities while supporting athletics. They exist not only to support football and basketball, but other sports such as lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, wrestling, and volleyball. Spending less than 0.05% of the University’s budget on the largest student organization on grounds that directly affects 260 members, supports hundreds of student athletes, and enhances the overall U.Va. experience for thousands of students and fans at games seems like a worthwhile investment. Mr. Ellwood should broaden his definition of success beyond money and look at factors such as the quality of student life and reputation of the University of Virginia.
The CMB enhances the academic, athletic, and extracurricular spheres, all of which contribute to making U.Va. the diverse, renowned and superb institution that we all benefit and learn from. Thankfully, the Alumni Association recognizes that each of us contributes to the University in our own way, and allows donors to specify which area they wish their donation to benefit. Perhaps Mr. Ellwood can find a particular activity at U.Va. he wishes to support. Meanwhile, I will continue to give back to the University as a whole through my alumni donations to the Cavalier Marching Band.
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