Posted on March 29, 2007
Craig Finklestein’s article about U.Va. misrepresents JMU both with his poor writing and factual errors.Regarding his insistence that frat life is the only social scene at school, he should know that only one third of U.Va. is Greek. As for us referring to our school as “The University,” is Finklestein unfamiliar with the dozens of other schools who do this? Ohio State and the University of Miami are just two examples.
Similarly, the first-year, second-year system which he denounces is quite common around the country, especially in northeastern schools. Also, U.Va. traditionally doesn’t allow undergrads to stay past a fourth year, so his comment that “wasting Daddy’s trust fund sounds better when it’s under the nomenclature of a fifth and sixth-year title” is both insulting and totally inaccurate.
Frankly, U.Va. is superior to JMU in many facets (academic status, most sports, and world-famous architecture, for starters). Does pointing this out make me a snob? No, it makes me a realist. JMU has better dining halls, a better marching band and dance team, among other things. Both schools have a lot to be proud of as well as a lot of room for improvement.
I would like to close with an offer to Finklestein. Next time you’re at U.Va., look me up and I’ll take you out for a drink and we can discuss this in person. I think I can change your mind about U.Va. Just don’t get lost on the way here.
Joe Cassara, fourth-year U.Va. student
On behalf of the University Program Board, I would like to thank the Student Government Association for their continued support of UPB. This support became extremely evident on Tuesday evening. UPB would like to thank the SGA for believing in us to bring creative, educational and entertaining programs for the entire JMU community by passing our budget and declining the bill to cut nearly $15,000 from our student fee allocation.
UPB is extremely grateful to receive such a large portion of student fees and hopes to see continued support from the SGA in the future.
We welcome anyone who felt the bill was unfair to speak with us directly. Our door is always open and we would love to hear your feedback and opinion on how we should spend student fees.
In particular, UPB would like to thank those senators who stood up for us. Your support is necessary for UPB’s survival and we truly thank you.
Randi Sponenberg, UPB President, senior TSC/music industry major
