The decision to eliminate the rowing team was reversed by the President and the Board of Trustees of Temple University and the boat house is currently being renovated.
March 4, 2014
To the Sports Editor:
I know little about sports, but I do know about finance.
If alumni had been involved in discussions concerning the value and cost of sports programs to Temple University, I have no doubt that we could have addressed the stated financial issues without eliminating programs that are important to students, alumni and Philadelphia.
For example, it is beyond my comprehension that the rowing team that is close to the hearts of all Philadelphians is to be eliminated for lack of money to renovate the boathouse.
With some creative financing using tax-exempt bonds, or a tax-exempt sale lease-back along with the use of historic tax credits, matching funds from alumni who respect the traditions of Temple and Philadelphia, and low current borrowing rates, this important program could be preserved.
What it does take is a little hard work and a passion to improve, not destroy, a university that has given millions of students a chance they would not otherwise have been afforded.
I count myself as one of those who was given a chance thanks to Temple.
RONNYJANE GOLDSMITH
San Francisco
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