Somewhere in Colorado, the phone rings and my father answers. The perky voice on the other end announces she is calling of behalf of The Northwestern Parents’ Fund. My father realizes this could only mean one thing: She wants money. Sure enough, the caller is seeking donations from parents of NU students. My father, believing he has done his fiscal duty to this school, asks about the destination of this money. She replies, “Campus security.”
I’m surprised the old guy didn’t completely lose it. He, like every other parent here, is already wrestling to find a quarter-million dollars to fund his child’s education. Isn’t this enough to pay for campus security?
According to the Parent’s Fund Web site, the organization falls under the umbrella of Alumni Relations and exists to “provide a reliable source of expendable income.” The Fund contacts parents of current and former students, bringing in more than $1.5 million in fiscal year 2007. I suppose it’s reasonable to request donations after the NU adventure is done, but this Fund should realize how offensive it is to ask paying parents for even more money.
As of 2007, NU had the 11th largest endowment in the nation, with $6.5 billion. Since 2006, NU’s endowment increased a larger percent than any of the other top 11 schools. Yet they still seize every opportunity to nickel and dime their students.
No one understands this more than the poor souls trying to park their cars around campus. If you break the convoluted parking restrictions once, you receive a $50 fine. Make the same mistake twice, and you can expect to be humiliated by the infamous boot. This immobilizing creature can only be removed by the all-powerful parking department for a slight fee of $125. Fortunately, the fine is payable by credit card or directly to your tuition. Translation: Hey mom and dad, here’s another awesome opportunity for you to give even more money to my school!
Princeton University, which NU Professor Charles Moskos lovingly refers to as, “the poor man’s Northwestern,” has the fourth largest endowment in the nation, with nearly $15.8 billion. But in the New Jersey town, the first parking violation earns students a mere warning. The second one results in a $20 fee, and the third could result in a booting, removable for only $50. The fees are more reasonable, and the endowment doesn’t seem to be suffering.
I can’t help but feel sorry for the poor girl who called my father. She was probably just following a script and raising money for a worthwhile student organization. It’s not her fault that these calls are offensive to NU parents who are already paying massive amounts to keep us here. The Parents’ Fund needs to consider holding off on these requests at least until we graduate. It also wouldn’t hurt if NUPD didn’t try to suck our wallets dry. In the meantime, warn your parents. They’re giving enough as it is. NU has no place to ask them for more donations.
Medill junior Meredith Laitos can be reached at [email protected].
