Letter to the Chancellor

Dear Chancellor Cantor,

I am an alumnus of SU and of the SU Outing Club. I am extremely upset to learn that SUOC is once again under threat from the university administration. The story is quite sordid -- though I am not the one to tell it. This happened twice before in recent years and each time the forces of darkness were beaten back. As the news of this gets out, I am sure that many other SUOC alumni will share my feelings of frustration and anger.

Are you familiar with SUOC? It is one of the most successful campus organizations funded by the Student Association. It has a proud history stretching back 70 years (at least). It is part of the Intercollegiate Outing Club Association (IOCA) that includes Dartmouth, MIT, Harvard, Cornell, and many others.

SUOC was certainly an important part of my SU experience. My friends from that era all share this sentiment. Thus, we are appalled at the repeated heavy handed attempts to destroy the club. Why would the university want to destroy one of its most successful parts? I should be clear about one thing: SUOC is run entirely by the membership, who are responsible for budget, safety, trips, equipment, governance, and all other aspects of club. They take these responsibilities very seriously. This is the source of SUOCs strength, and is the main reason it has such a positive effect on those who are members. (It is also great fun.)

My purpse in contacting you is to lend support to SUOC in its fight for existence. The details of what has happened are probably best learned from the officers of the club. I urge you to look into this matter.

I spoke to Sonita this afternoon about this situation. She indicated that she would put me in touch with the appropriate person in the administration.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Dr. Matt Stillerman, PhD Physics 1985

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I sent this note on Friday April 22. Just managed to speak with Dean Urtz, the Dean of Students today. I tried all of the arguments on her -- with little effect. The only thing that dented her composure was when I read to her from the minutes of the meeting with Dean Baker. She seemed genuinely shocked by his remarks, as reported there, and said that she intended to look into it.