Melissa Traynor, Editor-in-Chief
The Recorder
Central Connecticut State University
Good Afternoon:
I am writing concerning the persistent wave of apathy that has engulfed life at CCSU. Apathy has been defined as “a state of indifference, or the suppression of emotions such as concern, excitement, motivation and passion.” Apathetic bodies tend to be taken advantage of mostly because of their state of indifference. I am constantly amazed at the level of apathy of the student body, alumni and administration at CCSU. For years, The Connecticut Legislature has, for some unknown reason, treated CCSU as the “ugly step child” when it comes time for funding CCSU. On the other hand, UConn receives funds that are mismanaged and ill spent. 1 CCSU athletic facilities are second rate compared to not only UConn but other like institutions. What little funding that does come CCSU’s way, seems to dry up leaving athletic facilities in even worse condition.
In the past I have written to the Connecticut Legislature stating that the failure to properly fund CCSU is disgraceful and embarrassing. In my letter, I pointed out the value of CCSU, for example:
* The Association of American Colleges & Universities selected CCSU as one of only 16 “Leadership Institutions” in the nation—and the only one in Connecticut.
* Princeton Review selected CCSU as one of “The Best Northeastern Colleges.”
* Honors Program called “Absolutely Outstanding” in the Princeton Review’s “The Best Northeastern Colleges”, 2006 edition
* The college guide book, Great Colleges for the Real World: Get in, Get out, Get a Job, selected CCSU as one of the “best 201 colleges” in the nation.
* The Connecticut Board of Governors for Higher Education has designated CCSU’s centers of International Studies and of Public Policy and Practical Politics, and the School of Technology as “Centers of Excellence”.
In addition, the economic and political influence of CCSU, its students and alumni should not be underestimated. CCSU commissioned and prepared an economic impact study2 which found, among other findings;
* CCSU’s annual operating budget exceeds $244.67 million.
* The university also spent $60 million on construction projects and over the next 10 years plans to spend about $200 million in capital expenditures. That money spent locally.
* The vast majority (92%) of CCSU students come from the region and state of Connecticut.
* Most of CCSU graduates and Alumni remain residents (and VOTERS) in Connecticut.
* CCSU’s annual economic impact from expenditures and student labor during the past year totaled $554.8 million.
* The estimated annual spending per student is $30,776.00 (not including tuition, fees and room/board) which generates an estimated economic impact of $65,554,324.00 for the region.
* Connecticut businesses rely on a wide range of internship programs. Interns provide nearly 300,000 hours of both paid and unpaid labor to area businesses, schools and industries. This translates to roughly $4,000,000.00 in “free labor”.
However, CCSU continues to squander and political capital it may have. The administration fails to publically denounce the inequitable funding. The Student body, 95% of which are Connecticut residence fails to exercise is clout as voters. The Alumni fail to take a strong stance with elected official for their Alma Mater.
CCSU’s Alumni and Students should be fed up with these inequities. Further, Central Connecticut State University is a mirror of the State of Connecticut. It is amazing the jobs that CCSU does with inadequate finding. Imagine what it would do with adequate funds.
Central Connecticut State University is a first rate university and should be treated as such. The athletic facilities are comparable to most high school programs rather than Division I programs. Each time visiting schools compete on the CCSU campus, they are receiving a visual message of the importance that our State places on CCSU.
There are a few who have taken upon themselves to raise these issues but there remains no concerted effort from the Administration, Students or Alumni. A few voices in the wind will not bring about change. I would implore the Recorder to be the facilitator of such efforts, including a Student writing campaign. If the Connecticut Legislator believes us to be in a state of indifference, suppressing our emotions such as concern, excitement, motivation and passion, then will reap what we sow. CCSU should be the flagship of the Connecticut State University System, not UConn’s ugly step sister!
Sincerely,
Thomas H. Dougherty ‘83
Wow – Did not realize that Uconn people are so 'touchy". As resident of Ct, I would like to see all of our institutions of high education be funded properly. Connecticut need an educated work force and solid education system to attract business to Connecticut. Give on to Uconn what is Uconn but give onto central what is theirs
Perry – Where do I begin? Unlike you hating CCSU, I do not hate UConn. My father and brother went to UConn as did many of my friends. You get on your high horse all of a sudden but it was you that started with the jabs. I wrote a letter to the editor of CCSU’s paper (not Uconn’s) about the need for CCSU students and Alumni to stand up (much like UConn has) and request adequate funding. I simply stated “CCSU athletic facilities are second rate compared to not only UConn but other like institutions”. I never said we want to be UConn or on the same level. Just pointed out our facilities are not on par with like institutions. But you had to start taking pot shots at CCSU.
I appreciate the tragedy of Jasper Howard death and perhaps took it too far on that one. I can admit a mistake. But it is you who makes light of stealing laptops and violating restraining orders referring to it as a joke. You think that those are “worthy accomplishments” in that CCSU athletes have not done such worthy deed. That is a sad statement about what you think is worth and I am glad that we have not accomplished such deed to become worthy to “rag on”.
The point is that CCSU has been under funded. I don’t want more money at the expenses On the other hand, I believe money can be found from BS projects and that CT should fund education for all students in the State not just UConn. What exactly is your problem with having other students have some of the advantages that you have at UConn? Why, as a resident of the State of CT, do you not want people to believe that the State believes in higher education for all students and become known for all of it’s public institutions?
By the way, I work with poor people from Miami and Haiti on a daily basis – giving of my time for free. I give hundreds of hours each year. What have you done for them or anyone other than yourself.
It is people like you who make the world a crappy place. You could not simply let a letter to an editor requesting that students use their voice to request more funds go but rather had to take pot shots a CCSU. You probably picked on fat kids (or anyone else you saw as inferior) on the play ground. You my friend are the faux thug. Having this battle of wits with you, an unarmed punk, is pointless.
I did not say anything bad about UCONN in my letter – you just could not help yourself to start with the crap. Once I gave it back, you got insulted.
Perry – Where do I begin? Unlike you hating CCSU, I do not hate UConn. My father and brother went to UConn as did many of my friends. You get on your high horse all of a sudden but it was you that started with the jabs. I wrote a letter to the editor of CCSU’s paper (not Uconn’s) about the need for CCSU students and Alumni to stand up (much like UConn has) and request adequate funding. I simply stated “CCSU athletic facilities are second rate compared to not only UConn but other like institutions”. I never said we want to be UConn or on the same level. Just pointed out our facilities are not on par with like institutions. But you had to start taking pot shots at CCSU.
I appreciate the tragedy of Jasper Howard death and perhaps took it too far on that one. I can admit a mistake. But it is you who makes light of stealing laptops and violating restraining orders referring to it as a joke. You think that those are “worth accomplishments” in that CCSU athletes have not done such worthy deed. That is a sad statement about what you think is worth and I am glad that we have not accomplished such deed to become worthy to “rag on”.
The point is that CCSU has been under funded. I don’t want more money at the expenses On the other hand, I believe money can be found from BS projects and that CT should fund education for all students in the State not just UConn. What exactly is your problem with having other students have some of the advantages that you have at UConn? Why, as a resident of the State of CT, do you not want people to believe that the State believes in higher education for all students and become known for all of it’s public institutions?
By the way, I work with poor people from Miami and Haiti on a daily basis – giving of my time for free. I give hundreds of hours of Pro Bono work each year. What have you done for them or anyone other than yourself.
It is people like you who make the world a crappy place. You could not simply let a letter to an editor requesting that students use their voice to request more funds go but rather had to take pot shots a CCSU. You probably picked on fat kids (or anyone else you saw as inferior) on the play ground. You my friend are the faux thug. Having this battle of wits with you, an unarmed punk, is pointless.
I did not say anything bad about UCONN in my letter – you just could help yourself to start with the crap. Once I gave it back, you got insulted
Perry – Where do I begin? Unlike you hating CCSU, I do not hate UConn. My father and brother went to UConn as did many of my friends. You get on your high horse all of a sudden but it was you that started with the jabs. I wrote a letter to the editor of CCSU’s paper (not Uconn’s) about the need for CCSU students and Alumni to stand up (much like UConn has) and request adequate funding. I simply stated “CCSU athletic facilities are second rate compared to not only UConn but other like institutions”. I never said we want to be UConn or on the same level. Just pointed out our facilities are not on par with like institutions. But you had to start taking pot shots at CCSU.
I appreciate the tragedy of Jasper Howard death and perhaps took it too far on that one. I can admit a mistake. But it is you who makes light of stealing laptops and violating restraining orders referring to it as a joke. You think that those are “worth accomplishments” in that CCSU athletes have not done such worthy deed. That is a sad statement about what you think is worth and I am glad that we have not accomplished such deed to become worthy to “rag on”.
The point is that CCSU has been under funded. I don’t want more money at the expenses On the other hand, I believe money can be found from BS projects and that CT should fund education for all students in the State not just UConn. What exactly is your problem with having other students have some of the advantages that you have at UConn? Why, as a resident of the State of CT, do you not want people to believe that the State believes in higher education for all students and become known for all of it’s public institutions?
By the way, I work with poor people from Miami and Haiti on a daily basis – giving of my time for free. I give hundreds of hours of Pro Bono work each year. What have you done for them or anyone other than yourself.
It is people like you who make the world a crappy place. You could not simply let a letter to an editor requesting that students use their voice to request more funds go but rather had to take pot shots a CCSU. You probably picked on fat kids (or anyone else you saw as inferior) on the play ground. You my friend are the faux thug. Having this battle of wits with you, an unarmed punk, is pointless.
I did not say anything bad about UCONN in my letter – you just could help yourself to start with the crap. Once I gave it back, you got insulted.
Thomas,
You make me laugh. Typical UConn hater who resorts to the typical cheap shots. Laptops…pot…restraining order…wow Tommy your are so creative! I mean I have never heard any joke like that before! I am truly blown away by your comedic genius and witty comebacks, you truly are a God among men.
What’s even more hilarious is this same old crap coming from a Central Blue Devil?!?! You no names haven’t done anything worthy enough to rag on. Yet you say these things as if any of it has to do with me, a non athlete and honor student. After all this time as the ugly stepchild I thought you would have come up with something better than that.
There are over 600 public universities in the US. US News ranks the top 64 institutions. UConn is currently ranked at the 26th best overall. Once again I know you struggle with concepts Tommy but try to stay with me. That puts UConn in the top 4% overall and well into the top half of ranked public universities. Meanwhile, CCSU is currently ranked at…oh wait…nevermind. These rankings don’t come from nothing. They are based on facts and proven statistics. UConn has come a long way over the years and is only getting better.
I’m getting bored with wasting my time with you so I’ll finish by saying this. As an older man I’m truly shocked that you refuse to recognize the seriousness of the Jasper Howard murder. Assuming you have kids (which may be a stretch considering there are probably few woman willing to take their clothes off within ten feet of you) how would you feel if they were slain by some faux thug trying to prove a point. The kid made it out of inner city Miami and came here to make something of himself and he is struck down before his 21st birthday for no reason. Regardless of where you went to school or who you root for it was a terrible tragedy that any human being should be able to recognize. It’s people like you who make the world a crappy place. You probably chuckle when you see the devastation in Haiti because no one there attended CCSU. Enjoy your business and professional degree because considering you don’t have a heart (or a brain for that matter) those seem to be the only things going for you.
Sky,
Thank you for the well thought out rational response. Unlike Tommy boy you clearly have a good head on your shoulders and a decent grip of reality. You didn’t have to resort to childish puns (little Johnson? really?) and offensive comments to get your point across.
No one is comparing UConn to Harvard or Yale. UConn is a clear notch below Ivy League schools but I think it is also pretty obvious that CCSU is a clear notch below UC. Ever consider that there may be a reason why CCSU isn’t on US News’ radar?
I have no problem with more funds being put into improving CCSU’s campus and athletic facilities but be realistic in your comparisons. CCSU students are brighter and more driven because they come from working class families? Are you trying to say that because of this CCSU is not as far behind UConn in academics as people think? By that logic, someone who has taught at Yale and UConn would probably say UConn students are brighter and more driven than Yale students because they are not as high class or privileged. Which would mean UConn is not as far behind Yale as we think. Which completely debunks your initial point. If I am misunderstanding please clarify for me.
P.S. God help us all if idiots like you Perry become doctors. Your contempt for anyone you feel is inferior to you is palpable. You are a joke. By the way Perry (with a little) Johnson, I hold a doctorate degree, am a professional, have my own business and eat Uconn grads for lunch!
Poor Perry – Got your sensibilities offended did you. At least your comment on being the Best in the Country gave me a laugh. Your math is great (40 year old) – you could not even properly calculate my age based on year of graduation. But I would not expect much more. The day a U CON student schools me (whatever that means big boy) will be the day. It is your sorry backside that feels compelled to read CCSU web site. But this is understandable considering that you live in Stores. You didn’t like my comment about one of your players being killed – so sorry. Maybe we should talk about the lap top stealing basketball players, or the player who violated restraining orders or Ben Gordon being charged with assault or El-Amin being busted for marijuana. I could keep going , the list is so long.
Again I ask: Why are UConn fans so intimidated by us that they need to need to post letters like Perry’s?
Well, I didn’t think I could possibly have a lower opinion of the glorified community college known as CCSU than I already have but you proved me very wrong:
“…not one of our football players were killed this year and none of our players have a rap sheet.”
Using an innocent teenager’s death by the act of some non-UConn student thugs to make a point? I’m currently a senior at UConn and had met Jasper on several occasions. He was a great person and a hell of an athlete and I’m tremendously offended that you would stoop so low. Way to represent your school and your community. Keep it classy Blue Devils!
I shouldn’t even give you the satisfaction of responding to your post after that despicable comment but it was such a weak argument I can’t pass up the opportunity to further embarrass you and your beloved “university”.
Clearly CCSU doesn’t offer anything in the way of debate classes because you did nothing to refute my points except slip in cheap shots and regurgitate the same tired arguments you used in your first post.
Your “achievements and accolades” are all very cute but the FACT is UConn is ranked higher and has SIGNIFICANTLY higher SAT scores. Since you attended CCSU I’ll assume you struggle with numbers and grasping simple concepts so I’ll break it down for you. That means that UConn students are SIGNIFICANTLY more qualified academically than most all Central students and yes Thomas, that includes reading too.
The reality is that NO ONE outside of our immediate New England region knows JACK SQUAT about CCSU! Your a medicore, no name school and you always will be. Meanwhile, when I’m in medical school next year I’ll be thinking about how envious I’ll be that I’m not getting my online degree in data mining. Poor me.
UConn is the best public University in New England and is well on it’s way to being one of the best in the country. We’re doing just fine out here in our cow pastures. Hope your 40 year old backside enjoyed getting schooled by a 21 year old student. Guess UConn students really are smarter.
Perry Johnson
UConn ’10
Perry
Sorry pal, but you missed the point. No one is comparing CCSU athletics to UCONN and as far as the Tier III rating goes, US News always gives tier III and IV ratings to colleges and universities that are not on their radar.
It’s funny how all the UC folks I know get all up in arms when anyone tries to say some positive things about the CSU system. Perry…you are a UC guy. You didn’t go to Harvard or Yale and I wish all these UC supporters would realize that UC is not an Ivy League college.
The problem here is not equitable funding, rather just decent funding to maintain the basic necessities of a university.
CCSU doesn’t strive for a Gampell Pavilion or a 40,000 seat stadium. All the CCSU supporters want to see are facilities that are on par with peer schools. CCSU doesn’t even have that.
Academic facilities? There are bats and pigeons living in the roof of Willard Hall. I don’t care what you think of the CSU system, that’s just plain unacceptable.
You have to admit, there was a lot of waste in the UC 2000 program and now that CSUS 2020 is in place, the CSU system has to suffer scrutiny that UC didn’t receive.
UC has a stanglehold on the higher education budget in this state. If IC would just keep their noses out of the CSU system’s business, CSU supporters would have no issue. CCSU FINALLY has a doctoral program in education. Guess who fought CCSU tooth and nail all the way? You guessed it. The same is true with the BSCE program. (In case you don’t know what that means, that’s a BS in civil engineering. In case you don’t know what THAT is…that’s designing roads and bridges and stuff!)
UC has the best football and basketball team money can buy. One of the reasons the state of CT is in a financial crisis is because of unneeded capital projects and cost overruns at UC.
Go to any other state in the country. Take Michigan. Central Michigan University is overshadowed of course by UM and MSU but they have a well funded and well maintained campus that is larger and more appealing than UC. That is the way CT should treat all of it’s 5 universities.
In closing, I have a colleague (PhD) who taught engineering at both CCSU and UC. He told me without a doubt that the students at CCSU were brighter and more ambitious than those at UC. Why? Many came from working class families and were starving for an education to better themselves.
Now…instead of waving your husky flag…lets work together to make all the state universities first class institutions of higher education.
I was surprised to read Perry’s reply to my letter. First, I was surprised that a UConn fan can read. Second, he is right, we are not on the same playing filed as UConn – not one of our football players were killed this year and none of our players have a rap sheet. UConn only came into nationally know because of basketball during late 80′s and because of state funding. CCSU does not want to be UConn. Why are UConn fans so intimidated by us that they need to need to post letters like Perry’s.
CCSu has many recognitions and rankings such as:
* The Association of American Colleges & Universities selected CCSU as one of only 16 “Leadership Institutions” in the nation—and the only one in Connecticut.
* Princeton Review selected CCSU as one of “The Best Northeastern Colleges.”
* Honors Program called “Absolutely Outstanding” in the Princeton Review’s “The Best Northeastern Colleges”, 2006 edition
* The college guide book, Great Colleges for the Real World: Get in, Get out, Get a Job, selected CCSU as one of the “best 201 colleges” in the nation.
* The Connecticut Board of Governors for Higher Education has designated CCSU’s centers of International Studies and of Public Policy and Practical Politics, and the School of Technology as “Centers of Excellence.”
* In the fall of 2001, CCSU became the first institution anywhere to offer an online Master of Science program in data mining.
* CCSU has four endowed chairs: The American Savings Foundation Endowed Chair of Banking and Finance and the Institute for Banking and Finance; the Stanislaus A. Blejwas Chair in Polish and Polish American Studies; the William A. O’Neill Chair in Public Policy and Practical Politics, and the Robert C. Vance Chair in Journalism and Mass Communication.
* Central Connecticut State University was recognized by the NAACP in 2008 as an official stop on the underground railroad.
* In national competition, CCSU was awarded a prestigious $1-million federal grant to fund educational programs to prepare future teachers to use technology. In 2002-2003 CCSU’s faculty were awarded a record-breaking $4.1 million in grants to support scholarly research.
* In 2004-05, CCSU created an estimated economic impact of $390 million, representing money and jobs that circulated throughout Connecticut’s economy. As a state-supported institution, CCSU receives $55 million in legislative appropriations.
So Perry- go back to the cow pasture that is Stores
Funny how you conveniently forgot to mention that CCSU is also rated as a Tier 3 university by USNews and that the list of “Best Northeastern Colleges” includes over 200 schools from nine states (CT, MA, VT, NH, ME, PA, NY, NJ, RI). That comes out to more than 20 schools per state. Just how exclusive is that list really?
While CCSU is a solid institution, anybody knowledgeable about higher education would tell you that they are clear a notch below UConn in terms of academic and athletic prestige. UConn is in Tier 1 and ranked 66th best national university in the entire country not to mention in the top 25 for “Best Public Universities” and a Public Ivy.
Also, the idea that CCSU’s athletic facilities should be on par with UConn’s is laughable. UConn maintains one of the best athletic programs in a BCS conference that is nationally recognized.
-Men’s and women’s basketball have won SEVEN national championships combined in the last decade.
-Men’s soccer has won three national championships and is a perennial top ten team.
-Women’s soccer is one of only two programs to make the NCAA tournament EVERY YEAR since its inception.
-Even the football team who has been Division 1A for less than ten years has already won a conference title and has been to three straight bowl games.
Bottom line, because of these academic and athletic accomplishments UConn is nationally known and respected while I’d be surprised if anyone outside of CT and maybe parts of MA and NY knew there was a such thing as Central Connecticut State University.
My advice to you? Stop crying that your second rate institution receives second rate attention because it is exactly what it deserves and be happy that you have a legitimate university to represent our great state.
Look on the bright side; at least your better than Eastern, Western and Southern.
GO HUSKIES!