I've been willing to give the university the benefit of the doubt in regards to the abundant negativity that it has become associated with it and, after initial concerns, was also warming up to the new Baker University Center primarily in regards to the Front Room, food court and billiards room. At the risk of sounding like a curmudgeon, let me say that I first played on the old Baker Center pool tables as early as 1964 when visiting my older brother and that a total of four of my family members are OU alumni.
Imagine my surprise and disappointment when, having enjoyed the billiards room at the new Baker Center on occasion since the opening, the obviously embarrassed student at the information desk informed me that the public (alumni included) were no longer welcome to use the billiards room and that it is now only available to students, faculty and staff. Realize that never did I see the facility crowded to the extent that students could not access a table or witness any behavior that might lead to such a decision.
I was under the impression that the new student center is a university AND community resource, and I suspect that my money is welcome at other university facilities such as sports events and the above-mentioned food court and coffee shop. I'd also gladly pay an
hourly rate to play pool as was the policy at the old Baker rec room. What can I expect next ' denied access to the bike path, Memorial Auditorium lectures, free sporting events, the college green? What should be my response the next time I get a phone call or mailing requesting a monetary donation to Ohio University?
I'm now appreciating the wisdom of those who feel that Ohio University has lost its way and wondering how and why this apparent systemic malaise has descended upon the university I've been so proud of over the years. This goes way beyond a few games of pool and is perhaps the final nail in the coffin that contains my pride in and love for OU.
Gerald Smith writes from Athens and is a 1975 OU graduate.
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Letter to the Editor
