MALIBU, California, December 3. A spark of hope for the Pepperdine swimming and diving program occurred earlier this week when the president of the university released a memo stating the steps by which the program can save itself by the end of January 2010.<\/p>\n
President Andrew Benton gave the following promise, raise $400,000 by January 31, 2010 and the program could be saved. Raise $400,000 by mid-January of each year for the program to continue each year. It's a better chance than most cut programs get, when it usually requires a court battle to even get a chance. Benton has also committed to donate personally to the effort to help it succeed.<\/p>\n
Here is the complete memo:<\/p>\n
Without going into great detail, the decision to conclude the Swimming and Diving team was a difficult decision. Students associated with that program have been some of the students my wife and I hold most dear. As I have shared many times: I admire so much the family environment that seems to come with those who love to swim and dive competitively. It is actually remarkable to behold.<\/p>\n
Having made and communicated the decision (and hurt a lot of students and parents in the process), to offer to rethink our position is perilous and may result in another round of frustration. I hope not. The economy has not improved, the Athletic Department has not even completed its first round of reductions, and no "financial angel" has appeared. A number of individuals have made sincere offers to help and that impresses me a great deal. Whether it will be enough, I do not know; I would like to give it a fair opportunity to work, however. Working through Tom Dekar, a parent, and also one of our former swimmers, Andreea Trufasu, I write this brief memorandum to outline one way to fund the program going forward. It will require the following:<\/p>\n
1. Evidence by January 15 of each year that there are gifts and pledges available to provide at least $400,000 per year for each of the next four fiscal years (August 1 \u2013 July 31). We cannot recruit top-quality athletes if we cannot assure them that they can compete at Pepperdine for the four years of their NCAA eligibility;<\/p>\n
2. The Athletic Director and I do not see re-establishing the program with funds already reallocated to respond to the present \u2013 and future \u2013 economic challenge presented to the larger University community. The University will help to raise endowment funds that could well sustain the program; and,<\/p>\n
3. If we are going to undertake this project, we must do so immediately and with great energy. We can use December to make solicitations and secure pledge commitments. The University will begin collecting contributions after January 1, 2010.<\/p>\n
Representations have been made that there are as many as 1,500 individuals willing to provide annual support. If that is true, our task is relatively easy, especially if there are some generous lead gifts. If not, we must know by the last day of January 2010. If the target of at least $400,000 per fiscal year is not achieved in gifts and firm pledges by January 31, 2010, all gifts will be returned and pledges cancelled and we will conclude our Swimming and Diving program as previously announced. <\/p>\n
While I am hopeful, I am also a realist willing to be overwhelmingly pleased and surprised. There is no other area of the University being offered this opportunity, but there is no other area where 35 wonderful young people are so directly impacted.<\/p>\n
This is the offer I have discussed with a couple of representatives of those who wish to retain the program. We simply must know if this is going to work by January 31, 2010; I do not wish to offer false hope or to create or prolong another round of disappointment.<\/p>\n
I have written this memorandum so that others may distribute it. All gifts and pledges should to be sent to Dr. John Watson, Director of Athletics. John can be contacted at (310) 506-4242 or you may e-mail him at jgwatson@pepperdine.edu. He will guide this process and provide periodic updates on the success of this effort. Meanwhile, you have my admiration for your desire to take on this unusual and admirable project. I sincerely hope it works; in fact, my wife and I will make our own gift to the effort.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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