Muhlenberg Cares for students

By: Mike Bruckner

Posted: 4/23/09

While we can all agree with Alex Lotorto's hope for a more just and compassionate world, those of us who work with all the College's constituencies must also deal with facts. Unfortunately, Alex's most recent manifesto is so filled with factual misrepresentations that his conclusions cannot be trusted. He asserts that tuition has gone up by $4,000 for next year (the increase is less than half that); that tuition has increased 6% every year for the past eight years (this year's increase is 4.6%, last year's was 5.8%); that we have raised money for buildings instead of student scholarships (the current campaign has raised $28 million for endowed scholarships and more than $13 million for current expenses including financial aid vs. $32 million for buildings). Muhlenberg budgeted more than $21.5 million for grant aid to students this year, an increase of 29% over the past five years.

This year the administration cut operating budgets (not salaries) by approximately $350,000 to increase funds available for financial aid. In numerous communications with the campus community, President Helm has made it clear that our top two priorities are preserving student access and avoiding layoffs. This does not mean that we will ignore opportunities to make the College's operations more efficient, such as converting the current print shop to a more up-to-date copy center.

As for lack of student space, I'd argue that the planned practice and rehearsal space, and the renovations and addition to the Union are all student spaces, as well as the recent projects we've done - the Life Sports Center, the Multicultural Center and several residence halls.....even Shankweiler and the New Science Building were built to serve our students.

If Alex had done his homework and approached the issues with an open mind, he would have discovered what the facts prove: that Muhlenberg has consistently put students and employees first, and intends to continue doing so.