Murmurs and Rumblings

Opinion
By Dylan Webster
Over the course of the last two weeks, many students have questioned the leadership of the college for having a special section set aside at programs for “Guests of the President.” There has also been talk of guests of the President having among other things, wine. In a recent interview, West Virginia at Parkersburg President Dr. Marie Foster Gnage outlined the rhyme and reason to the new things that we see.

First, it should be recognized that as President, Dr. Gnage has the power to make these kinds of exceptions. Gnage also wished to stress that anytime alcohol was involved, it would be at the Caperton Center, and would never be around children. “If we had to be in the main building, we would be strictly a punch-and-cookie event,” Gnage reassured.

Gnage explained that these issues are intended to be small tokens of appreciation to those who have been generous to our school. “We want the people who donate time and money to our school to be a part of our school, our community.” “This is a new aspect to the culture of this institution, and I feel that it is vital for the growth of our school,” stated Gnage. While this is very new here, it is very commonplace at larger colleges and universities across the nation.

Gnage continued, “We have 125 acres of land, we need library space, new childcare facilities, more parking and more student activities.” “Many people think that all of our needs are met by state and federal funding, but this is absolutely not true.” “If we want to attain our goals as a school, we need more resources,” said Gnage.

Another growing issue is that of where can smokers go. So far, the school is looking at a cost of about $7,000 for one shelter for smokers. Gnage hopes to designate five areas around campus for this. “Not only is this going to be costly, but it is something that most schools do not attempt to do.” “I contacted Morgantown to see how they handled these situations, and they said that they did not have shelters. Penn State said they provide nothing more than a picnic table,” said Gnage.

Plato once said, “When the mode of the music changes, the walls of the city shake.” These words ring true here today. We all want new things, but we are mostly all creatures of habit. When we see things done in a new way, we as humans become a bit reactionary. However, this is not all bad, as Gnage concludes, “I welcome rumblings and murmurs; only then can I answer these questions.”