The importance of fine arts to ASU's future
It's gratifying to learn that student government recognizes the importance of a well-rounded University that celebrates many disciplines, including the fine arts. Because of the interest expressed by the Undergraduate Student Government Senate in its Oct. 21 resolution, I thought I would share the following with the campus:
All academic units in the Herberger College of Fine Arts are ranked nationally. That's a major accomplishment, which is a testament to our faculty and our students, and reflects the commitment ASU has to this program.
We recognize facilities across campus are not universally excellent. The Herberger College currently is spread over 24 buildings and, in some specific areas, facilities certainly are not on a par with what one would expect from a nationally ranked program. We are working closely with the administration to find near- and long-term remedies.
Herberger College, the University and the ASU Foundation are forging ahead with plans to build new facilities to house the majority of our fine arts programs. These buildings would be part of a planned West Gateway complex for the ASU Tempe campus and would anchor one end of a campus "cultural corridor" along Mill Avenue that begins with Gammage Auditorium and includes the Music Building, the ASU Art Museum and the Ceramics Research Center. Funding has not been identified yet, but I can assure you that President Crow has voiced strong commitment to working with us to find resources.
ASU's fine arts program, while not a significant revenue generator for the University, clearly is recognized as an invaluable economic and cultural asset to the community. Such assets are critical in measuring quality and attractiveness when business and industry consider locating in the Valley.
Herberger College is a player in the research arena and has received funding - through the University, the National Endowment for the Arts. and the National Science Foundation - for its new Arts, Media and Engineering program that's being offered in collaboration with the Fulton School of Engineering. In fact, research revenue in any area helps the University's bottom line so that all schools and colleges benefit.
As ASU grows into its role as a New American University, there is ample room to distinguish itself nationally and internationally as a leading Research I facility and a culturally embedded and cutting-edge arts facility. We in the Herberger College are proud to be a part of that partnership.
J. Robert Wills
Dean
The Katherine K. Herberger College of Fine Arts
VOICES ON VELOUR
We asked you to weigh in on the vice or virtue of velour pants, and you did:
Off-duty stripper is a little too nice; I think they make girls look like off-duty hookers. The requisite accessories are annoying, too: Starbucks cup, cell phone, cigarettes, fat shoes.
-Tim Silverman
MECHANICAL AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
I think velour is way overrated and way, way, way too many girls have it! Everywhere you look is more velour! It's really not that great, and even though I'm a female, I'd agree with the male component of your editorial board: It doesn't do much for the person wearing it.
-Erin Trust
I think that if the off-duty stripper look works for a girl, then by all means, wear velour. Though just the other day, I saw an older woman with a very jiggly behind wearing a brown velour suit. Something told me she was pretty clueless as to how bad she looked. So I think that anyone over the age of 25 (female) and 9 months (male) should start to reconsider the velour.
-unsigned
In regards to the Oct. 20 editorial "Campus bar half-empty idea"
The goal of our Memorial Union/Student Recreation Center expansion campaign is to enhance student life. We want to create a university culture that brings together the many groups of our diverse student body.
The USG looks to foster community, not create a venue for drunken disorderly conduct. We echo the sentiment of our constituency, who is asking for a place on ASU to retreat, relax and reconnect to each other and our campus. The suggestion of a bar is an attempt to give students what they are asking for, and it is not the only suggestion on the table. It would be better to represent this bar as a restaurant that serves alcohol - open maybe until 11:00 p.m. - that facilitates a place on campus where students, faculty and staff can socialize after class or after work.
But we must remember, ultimately it is the students - not Associated Students of ASU or any branch therein - who will make the decision on what will be part of the MU expansion if it passes.
-Brandon Goad
PRESIDENT
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT GOVERNMENT
