Questions and Comments We've Received April 2003 President Cowen, I am not exactly sure what the options are that are currently being reviewed. I just hope that we will not remove Tulane from Division I athletics. Tulane has a long tradition of football and although it may not be filled with Championships it is still a source of great pride for Alumni. The athletics program at Tulane has made great strides with both the football and baseball teams becoming highly competitive in the national arena as well as bringing great exposure to the school. There is no better example of what a great athletic team can do to a high caliber university than Duke University. The basketball program at Duke has single handedly raised both the national prominence of the university as well as greatly increased Alumni donations to the school. In closing, the Tulane Athletics program needs the resources to remain competitive and a winning tradition must be a continual goal for the administration by attracting the best coaches and athletes that we possibly can. ***** I would just like to express my feelings about Tulane possibly being dropped to Division 3 Athletics. The student body has many active committees which are working hard to try and motivate Tulanians to be more spirited about our school's athletic teams. Dropping us down to Division 3 status would really make Tulane students more apathetic about our school sports, and regress any progress we've made thus far. I really enjoy being a Division 1 school, and would be extrememly disappointed to see us in Division 3. There is no hope for an increase in school spirit if that decision is made. Please choose wisely- We want to remain in Division 1. ***** Dr. Cowen, As a Tulane University student, I have been very upset about the amount of decision-making that has been happening with out a lot of student input. Hence, I appreciate the opportunity to speak out now. Please do not drop us to Division 3. Tulane has little school spirit as it is, and if we were dropped, it would drastically plumit. That would be really unfair to the fantastic athletes we have here. Realize that because the board is meeting during a time where students primary worries are studying for finals, it is extremely difficult for us to unite against dropping us to division three. I hope you take this into consideration. ***** Dr. Cowen, It was with great dismay that I learned today that the board of Tulane has endeavored to investigate the "role of Athletics on campus". Currently, Tulane is a Division 1A all sports member, despite the blunderings and incompetence of previous adminstrations' in managing the asset, and their lack of foresight into the future value of college athletics. I am from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and currently live in New Orleans, and am a graduate of two Tulane schools, B.S. from Tulane College(1994) and M.B.A. from Freeman(2000). Those three attributes altogether make me a truly unusual alumnus indeed. I'm from the South, two degrees, and am gainfully employed in New Orleans, a city whose population has long been disdainful of the average transient student of Tulane. In fact, Tulane has alienated the local population. Furthermore, alumni giving is low. These two conditions are not permanent nor are they unrelated. A cliché comes to mind: "Out of sight, out of mind." One should note well that there aren't many buildings on campus reflecting names of alums from outside the Greater New Orleans area. What better way to get alums back to campus and reconnected than a major sporting event? I would not have come to Tulane if the school did not play Division 1A football. It would have never occupied the presence of mind that Vanderbilt, SMU, Duke, Wake Forest occupied. In fact, were it not for the opportunity I've had to attend a bowl game, watch one on TV, and numerous upsets and close losses, my friends from college and I would have had little reason to plan "events" to get back with one another. I follow the athletics of Tulane today with much more enthusiasm than I ever thought I would when I was in college. Thus the school occupies a higher presence of mind with me. I am not alone. The school made no attempt back then to even foster interest with the student body. For example, games are played off campus, and there's no band. What eggheads thought those moves up? Tulane finally has a winning football program, and its very existence is being questioned after so many years of inadequate attention to detail and effort. This discovery is disappointing, but not as disappointing as the realization that the theme of effort should be gaining a better conference affiliation and fostering student spirit. Instead, the board of Tulane is seriously considering being the ones who down in the record books as quitters. Quitters! ***** Dr. Cowen: A rumor has started that we are considering dropping our Division 1 status to a Division 3 level in athletics. If this is true, I am very much against it!!! I am a season ticket holder for football ( 8 to be exact), and I bring as many as 10-15 people to the games including many kids. We are starting to win with some consistency in football and the fans are starting to slowly come back. I also attend men's basketball, women's basketball and Tulane Baseball. I urge you and the Board to please not even consider this if this were true. I am constantly talking to kids about Tulane athletics and if you have been to any baseball games this year, look at the future of Tulane. There are youngsters all over the place which means they are growing up Tulane fans, something that was missing for many years. I have followed Tulane Athletics for 37 years now. Please give this a chance!!! Thank You. ***** Dr. Cowen, I am a TU graduate and a very big TU fan. I have heard some horrible rumors that YOU are planing on dropping all TU sports to D3. The word is out. The following was taken from one of the TU athletic message boards. Please assure me that this is not true. I am writing to you because I feel very strongly about a rumor that has been building momentum over the last week and I would like your thoughts. It is being rumored that Tulane University is considering dropping out of Division 1 athletics. The alleged proponents of this are certain board members who are pro academics at the cost of “de-emphasizing” athletics. Scott, if this is true, I feel it would be a devastating blow to the University in general and fund raising in particular. I have discussed this issue with several alumni across the country over the last week and the consensus is clear. Alumni enjoy the athletics component of “friend raising.” In fact it is an integral part of the alumni experience. It keeps alumni connected and is a source of intense pride. This connection and source of pride translates into donor dollars for Tulane University. To do away with Division 1 athletics will result in a disastrous drop in alumni financial support. I personally am a member of the Associates Gold Program and I thoroughly enjoy the networking opportunities at the athletic pre game get-togethers. The athletics events are my and other alums forum for drumming up financial support for Tulane University. Our athletics program under Rick Dickson’s leadership has made great strides in the recent years. He has made great strides in terms of wins, facilities upgrades, graduation rates etc. I am confident that if given the continued chance, he can usher in a new era of athletics profitability. In closing, I am asking you to consider and champion the long term ramifications of substantially reduced donations and lost alumni goodwill which will far outstrip any perceived savings gained from dropping out of Division 1 athletics. Your voice is a strong one and a voice the board needs to hear loudly and clearly. Thank you for your time. ***** Dr. Cowen, I'm a long time out of town supporter of Tulane. I'm extremely concerned with the rumor that Tulane is thinking of dropping its athletic programs to Division III. Please do me the honor and return my email with as little as one word. Yes or NO. Is there any basis to what is beginning to concern many supporters? A growing number of supporters are beginning to feel they have been misled. Many feel there can't be any basis to this growing rumor because you have stated, and showed, how much of a supporter you have been to all aspects of the entire University, including athletics. I, for one, would be absolutely shocked if Tulane regressed to Division III athletics. It would be a very long time before I would return to being a supporter of Tulane at any capacity. I would feel I had wasted my money by being a supporter in the past. Of course the number one job at Tulane is to educate, but it is also to build leaders. Division I athletics build leaders. Tulane can win in the classroom and on the field. Division I athletics showcases the university to the community and the country. It gives opportunities to people, who otherwise could not attend universities such as Tulane, Miami, Georgia Tech, and other fine universities. Tulane has made many poor decisions in the past regarding athletics. We are reaping what we sowed. We are also reaping the benefits of the new foundation we set in place just recently. Supporters of Tulane, and Tulane making good decisions set this foundation in place. Tulane has to continue to make the right decisions. In the past four decades I have watched Tulane lose generations of supporters in athletics, and quite frankly, isolate itself to a large degree from the local community. Of course Tulane is still a large part of the Louisiana community, but as athletics have suffered due to poor decisions, Tulane as a whole, has become a lesser element in the community and in the national arena. This is an example of how important Division I athletics are to thriving Universities. Northwestern had a short run of success in football in the 1990s and are still reaping the benefits of the large amounts of national exposure it received from football in that time frame. If Northwestern had won the national championship in Division III the last 30 years, few people around the country would have noticed, or would it have been a factor in getting the entire university overwhelming exposure and new support. In closing, Dr. Cowan, Tulane needs to stay in Division I athletics and make a permanent commitment. Tulane needs to stop paving building blocks towards success and having them removed by not being able to stay the course. The talk of Tulane regressing to Division III athletics in the past two weeks will begin to take its toll on the bright foundation that is beginning to unfold for Tulane athletics. Tulane must let its supporters, and the community know, it is on a permanent course of success in Division I athletics. Thank You For Your Time ***** Dr. Cowen: I am a graduate of Tulane ( A&S 1969) and a supporter of the Tulane Athletic Fund. I have supported my alma mater since 1964. Please come forward and either confirm that there is discussion of moving the program to Division three or that all this talk is nonsense. It’s the only right thing to do for the coaches, athletes' and fans. I live in Southern Cal and note that schools like USC are able to compete and excel academically. Unfortunately, there is a great difference between the USC family and the apathetic Tulane student body and alumni. SC seems to be pulling away from Tulane in all areas, graduate and undergraduate rankings. My daughter attended SC on a full swimming "ride" ***** Dr. Cowen, I chose the email median because I wanted to represent the voice of many concerned Tulane supporters, not just myself. When I wrote the email I really thought there could be no substance to the rumors of what is apparently transpiring. I hope for the sake of everyone in the Tulane family, some type of word will be put out officially to stop what is a growing shadow around Tulane. If we are still headed in the correct direction of building a new future for Tulane Athletics in Division I, some word must be put out to stop these rumors. Recruiting and Tulane Athletics will take another major step back if these rumors are not dismissed. Dr. Cowen, a growing number of other people in the Tulane community are becoming concerned as these rumors touch them. Many Tulane supporters I have been in contact with are in disbelief. They, as well as myself, still have the up most trust in you. We continue to believe that your vision is to continue to grow Tulane into a world recognized University in all departments. ***** has the Board considering drastic change in Tulane's athletic future, mainly dropping down to DIII in football. That would hasten the end of me in this vale of tears. This needs to be verified, denied or whatever, not allowed to race like a forest fire through our alumni and friends ***** I am an alumni of Paul Tulane College, Class of 1998 and a supporter of Tulane athletics. I am writing to you inquiring about the future of Tulane athletics, specifically the football program. I have heard somewhere that the administration is considering dropping Tulane football down to a lower NCAA division (Div. III is what I'm hearing) and are having talks in the near future to discuss this matter. I'm not one to perpetuate or strike down rumors without having some definitive evidence to back it up. Can you (The Administration) please share with me your thoughts on this issue and whether or not the things I am hearing have any validity to them. As an alumni, donor and fan of the university, I believe I have a right to know exactly where the administration stands on Tulane football and its future. Thank you for your time. I hope to hear from you soon. ***** The word is out and Tulane fans are banning together to try to persuade the board to NOT de-emphasize Tulane Athletics. This will be a terrible mistake if this is done and we will urge and implore people to boycott Tulane University and all it's false promises it offers. Please do not make this mistake!!! ***** Dr. Cowen, As a Tulane University College student, a sister to a Freeman MBA, and a native New Orleanian whose entire family has always supported Tulane athletics, I am horrified to hear rumors that you are considering degrading Tulane to a Division 3 program. I am a football and baseball season ticket holder, as well as a TAF member at the Breaker Club level. If my opinion means anything to you, count this as a resounding "NO" to any move from C-USA. If this flirting with a lower conference is money-driven, give the supporters a chance to be involved in a solution to bringing in more money. But to drop us to Div. 3 will be the death of Tulane Athletics. ***** I am 38 years old and bleed green and blue. My dad is a Tulane grad and bleeds the same way. If there is any truth to these horrible rumors, I urge you to cease this talk!! Tulane has distanced itself from this community over the years, don't make it worse. Big time sports makes a big time school. This move would cause you grief beyond belief. Trust me. Tulane can afford to stay a major university. No one wants Div III sports. There will be more negative press and protests than you can believe. I always thought that you were a breath of fresh air for Tulane. Please don't ruin your image and career. If these are false rumors, please come out immediately and put an end to them. Thanks for listening ***** Dear Dr. Cowen: I am writing for the third time to you to urge and beg you to not make any moves downward in the athletic dept. If this is only a rumor or a hoax it certainly is a strong one. I have been attending Tulane athletic events for 37 years now and my father has been a Tulane fan since 1944. Although neither one of us attended Tulane, we bleed green and blue!!! I have two boys who are 14 and 11 respectively. My dream is for them to attend Tulane and get the best education while enjoying the college experience. They will not attend Tulane if these rumors come to pass because they are both very athletic. We have started inquiring with such schools as Duke and Vanderbilt in the event that this would happen. There is also a ground swell against what could happen if this rumor is true. As I write this letter, Tulane fans are passing the word and organizing against this. We will not let this come to pass without a fight. The heavy donors are now being contacted and being urged to contact you. We will fight this to the end if this is true. ***** Dear Scott, This is an insidious rumor going around to the effect that Tulane is considering dropping its intercollegiate football program from Division 1 A to Division III status. In response to those who are circulating the rumor I reply that I attended the Council meeting about three weeks ago, and that the talk at that part of the meeting dealing with athletics was about prospects of the BCS breaking up, and little else, and that you would certainly have informed us if anything was brewing which approached in importance a drastic step such as a drop in the level of athletic competition in football. Based on this "inside" information, I have therefore debunked the rumor every time that I heard it.. But, outrageous as it may appear to be, the rumor keeps coming back, so I would appreciate a reply to me stating that there is no foundation whatsoever to that rumor. ***** President Cowen, I have heard multiple rumors floating around that your administration is going to drop football completely or move it out of Division I. Please tell me if this is true or not. If it is true, then I am ashamed to attend such a university and can guarantee that I will never donate a dime. ***** I graduated from Tulane in 1990 and continue to support and follow are great school. You may recall meeting me in the N.O. airport this past fall after the S. Carolina/LSU game. I'm very disappointed and concerned about a rumor that we will go down to a lower division in football. I truly feel this would hurt Tulane. ***** As an LSU fan I'd hate to see it happen, I have a good time with my Greenie Buddies(although there are few). ***** I am a recent alum of Paul Tulane College (Class of 1998). I am writing you expressing my concern over some information I learned referring to the Administration's studying the feasibility of moving football from Division I-A to Division III. If this is indeed true, I wanted to voice my thoughts on this proposal. First of all, I highly disagree with any thoughts of moving the football team to a lower division. Although I am a medical student on a fixed budget, I still managed to donate a small amount of money to Tulane athletics in the past year. The only reason I decided to do so wasn't because of the many brochures mailed to me by the alumni office, it was due to the success of the football team. The amount may have been nominal to Tulane, but to a struggling student with a girlfriend, car payment and rent to think about, it wasn't nominal to me...but I donated anyway because I was happy that my alma mater whooped some behind in the Hawaii Bowl and I wanted to do my part to help the team continue that success in the future. My point is this: If there is no D-1A football team at Tulane, there is no money coming to Tulane from me, now or in the future. I speak strictly for myself, but I suspect that this sentiment may be shared by other Tulane alums. Second, the football team is on the verge of realizing great success in the immediate future. Coach Scelfo is a gem and I have great faith in him and the coaches to lead the Wave to gridiron success. To consider dropping down to D-III could undermine that potential for success. Finally, the exposure that a successful football team provides is priceless...it's that exposure that reminds alums across the country of Tulane and piques the interest of high school students and parents alike. Dr. Cowen, I don't expect you to respond directly to this letter. I know you're a busy man and have to worry about bigger fish than myself. But I wanted to let you know how I feel about Tulane Green Wave football and where I think it belongs and why. I loved my time at Tulane, but I love Tulane more now than when I graduated because of football. Thank you for your time if you read this letter, and have a good and healthy Easter holidays. Roll Wave (in Division 1-A)!, ***** DR Cowen, As a Tulane fan & supporter of Tulane University, I am quite concerned about a rumor circulating around Turchin Stadium last night. I was told by many folks last night that there will be a study conducted by a board of administrators who are against college athletics. This board will look into whether or not the University should drop down in Division classifications in football. Whichever way this board decides, it will not matter to the football program. The coaching staff will in no way be able to recruit against other schools. I have contacted members within the University Athletic Dept. only to receive a no comment. It has become quite evident that something is brewing. I believe the Tulane Administration & its President owe alumni & those who support the team an explanation. The cards need to be laid on the table so I can determine whether or not to continue support of this fine University. I will be at the game today with my wife & 2 children. I hope to see you there or at least make a public statement to the media on the future of Tulane athletics. Thank you for your time & Go Green Wave! ***** Dear Sir: I am only a small fish in the pond of Tulane Alumni. However, I do find my alma mater important enough to donate as an Associate member. My personal commitment, support and involvement with Tulane athletics contributes to my frequent travels to New Orleans every year. I appreciated our very short conversation when I met you at last year's homecoming. I have been asked to serve on the Associates Board as a new member starting this year. I need to tell you the rumors regarding any deemphasis of athletics is very disturbing to me. I cannot express the pride I feel when I see the level of class exhibited by our athletes complimented with the level of graduation rates and academic achievements. I feel Tulane is unique being only one of a handful of schools to offer an Ivy League education with Division 1 athletics. Hopefully, this concern is only an evaluation of where to go, not to leave in athletics regarding Division 1. I am planning on having a function at my home with your attendance this fall inviting all the local alumni in my city. Please help energize the Board of Administrators of the importance athletics plays with individuals such as myself. Feel free to contact me anytime. Remember, Tulane's athletic support is not divided....it is dispersed. This reflects a national university. What is so ironic to me is this school year will probably be Tulane's most successful year in athletic competition with respect to wins, bowls, championships, academic achievements, and rankings. Our success on the field and court for both men and women are finally being realized while we have been able to retain our coaches such as Stockton, Jones, and Scelfo. Your selection of Rick Dickson is to be commended. Thank you for your time and attention to this critical issue. Roll WAVE! ***** Thank you for the information. It appears that the school is doping very well. I have been hearing a troubling rumor over the last few weeks regarding a possible move of athletics (or just football) to Division 3 or the outright elimination of football. As an active supporter of the school, I have to say that this is very troubling. Sports (especially football) are an important link from the university to its extended community throughout the nation. I am also a graduate of another outstanding university that does not have a football team and competes in Div. 3 in other sports. I feel a much deeper tie to Tulane and my level of support for the university reflects that - I have only given to the other school sporadically and generally that has only been a minimal donation. I give every year to Tulane and am a member of The Associates group. I know that decisions are made for the greater good and my single opinion is not the driver. I also know a number of alumni, all of whom said that they would be very upset with any change and would feel a major loss of connection to the school. I know that our programs don't always have the biggest crowds, but there is a lot of support out here for them. Please do not make a major mistake. Thanks |