Campus projects not worth hefty price tag
Why is TCU spending huge amounts of money on overpriced, under-utilized ventures?
COMMENTARY
Aaron Shutt

Have you seen the new $70,000 staircase on campus? Or are you still awestruck with your jaw dropped, gazing at the $25,000 facelift to Moudy Atrium? These are the prices of those projects, according to an article in the Fort Worth Business Press. If you are like me, you are probably more puzzled than anything else about the glamorous price tags that are accompanying these not so glamorous projects.

Think back to last spring. There were promises of great things to come from our $13,000 pledged from the Student Government Association and the additional funds from the administration. Safety was the first concern. Removal of those overgrown four foot shrubs should certainly deter the boogey man from prowling around. Just be careful when you walk around to the back of the building.

I am glad that some new benches were added, but only enough to accommodate a handful of people. With all the money available, one would think that there would have been bronze gilded reclining chairs and rockers to stretch out and relax in between classes.

The addition of some plants and a couple tons of gravel is nice. But were they imported from some exotic locale? I don’t think so.

Oh, and the climax of our dear project seems to be more of a slap in the face. I am sure SMU will be happy to know that we have added their beloved mustang to prance around our atrium. I can’t wait for the annual Iron Skillet rivalry this year. What a photo-op for their fans. Maybe we should set up a booth for pictures to reclaim some of our money.

Still wondering about that pricey staircase? Check out the south exit of Winton-Scott Hall. That’s where it sits with its regal glory. A couple dozen cement steps that can allow for three people wide. Nothing special. And instead of having a descending view of University Drive, we will all have the pleasure of looking upon the rear of the bookstore and a faculty parking lot. There are a couple of feet of new sidewalk too.

We shouldn’t feel too cheated. Or should we? A pair of new projects on campus, close to $100,000 in price, and not too much to write home about. So, will you join in with me on a pledge? A pledge for smarter construction. Smarter improvements. Ones that have fair price tags and deliver what they charge. Keep your eyes and ears open for a sidewalk coming to you.

Aaron Shutt is a junior advertising/public relations major from Wichita, Kan.