A growing number of alumni are withholding significant donations from Indiana University (IU) following controversial decisions by university administrators regarding the student-run Indiana Daily Student (IDS) newspaper. These actions include the firing of a student media director and orders to cease print editions, sparking a national outcry and prompting former students to reconsider their financial support.
The dispute highlights tensions between university administration and the long-standing tradition of independent student journalism. Alumni are demanding greater transparency and accountability regarding how their contributions, particularly those earmarked for the IDS, are managed and spent.
Key Takeaways
- Alumni are canceling millions in planned gifts and recurring donations to Indiana University.
- The controversy stems from administrative decisions affecting the Indiana Daily Student, including a halt to print editions and the dismissal of a student media director.
- Concerns about the university's control over the IDS Legacy Fund, specifically designated for the student newspaper, are a major point of contention.
- Former students are seeking transparency and a clear understanding of how their donations are utilized.
Alumni Express Discontent Over IDS Decisions
Mark Wert, an IU alumnus who graduated in 1985, has been a consistent donor to his alma mater. However, recent university actions against the Indiana Daily Student led him to cease his contributions. Wert, a retired journalist, expressed his frustration by returning a year-end donation request with a clear message: "Remove me from the mailing list."
University administrators cited a new business plan and the newspaper's operating deficit as reasons for cutting print editions. They also dismissed Jim Rodenbush, the student media director, after allegedly pressuring him to reduce traditional news content in the print publication. These decisions have drawn criticism from former students and national media organizations.
Many alumni view these actions as direct infringements on the independence of student journalism. They believe the university is undermining a vital educational and public service institution.
"(University administrators) make decisions that aren't always so good, and you don't want to damage the school or damage the students," Wert stated. "But if the fund is there to help pay student salaries and other things, and then they can't spend the money, why am I giving the money?"
Significant Financial Commitments Withdrawn
The financial impact of this alumni discontent is substantial. Patricia Esgate, a 1973 journalism graduate, canceled a planned bequest of $1.5 million. Her contribution was intended to support various university programs, including music and liberal arts scholarships, and a lecture series.
Donation Impact
- Patricia Esgate canceled a $1.5 million bequest.
- Toby Cole's family ceased monthly contributions and is working to cancel a $300,000 planned gift.
- Ryan Gunterman and his wife canceled recurring donations and several larger contributions, totaling thousands over the years.
Esgate cited the university's decisions regarding the IDS and the cancellation of an LGBTQ speaker series as key factors in her choice. She felt her friend, in whose honor the bequest was made, would not approve of the university's current direction.
Toby Cole, a fourth-generation IU graduate, also confirmed his family is stopping monthly contributions and canceling a $300,000 planned gift for scholarships. Cole highlighted the university's spending on athletic programs compared to its student newspaper.
"If IU can pay our FB coach almost $100mm we can fund our IDS," Cole wrote in an email. "Problem is ‘they’ don’t want an independent free speaking print newspaper because students actually wield power with it."
Concerns Over Fund Management and Transparency
Alumni are particularly concerned about the management of the IDS Legacy Fund, a fund specifically created to ensure the financial viability of the newspaper's editorial operations. This fund, which reportedly holds over $400,000, is meant to cover student salaries, conference fees, and other operational costs.
IDS Legacy Fund
The IDS Legacy Fund is a dedicated endowment intended to support the operational costs and student staff of the Indiana Daily Student. All donations to this fund are routed through the IU Foundation, and spending requires approval from the Media School, under which the IDS is housed.
Former student media director Jim Rodenbush stated he was restricted from using these funds for daily operations. He mentioned an administrator advised him to consider "better uses" for the money. This alleged interference has fueled alumni suspicions about the university's control over donor-designated funds.
IU spokesperson Teresa Mackin directed inquiries about the fund's use to its donation landing page. She did not provide details on the fund's total amount or the IDS's overall deficit.
Ryan Gunterman, another alumnus who met his wife at the IDS, and has supported the newsroom for years, decided to cancel all future contributions. He expressed that this was one of the few ways to demonstrate their disapproval.
"We had to send some kind of message to IU that they should be punished for violating every amount of trust that we have," Gunterman said. "We needed to let the university know that, on a personal level, this is unacceptable."
Demands for Accountability and Student Involvement
Alumni are now demanding greater transparency to rebuild their trust in the university. Hannah Alani, who organized a letter signed by over 300 former IDS staffers, suggests an independent audit of the fund. Such an audit could clarify how the money has been spent and if formal spending protocols exist.
Mark Wert and Ryan Gunterman both emphasize the importance of student involvement in financial decisions affecting the IDS. They want assurance that their donations are used as intended and that students feel supported in their journalistic endeavors.
Instead of direct donations to the university, some alumni are exploring alternative ways to support the student newspaper. Gunterman mentioned plans to buy the newsroom pizza monthly and purchase advertising directly from the IDS.
"I need to hear from people in the newsroom, not just professional staff, but students as well, that they feel good about this," Gunterman said. "They're the ones who are dealing with this, and the consequences of this. If they say, yes, this is trustworthy, then OK, I'll buy into that."
IDS Editors-In-Chief Mia Hilkowitz and Andrew Miller encourage supporters to read their coverage and send messages of encouragement. They also continue to seek donations to the IDS Legacy Fund through their website, despite the current controversy surrounding its management.
"We can’t thank our supporters enough at this troubling time for our newspaper," Hilkowitz and Miller stated. "Everyone on our staff can use those words of encouragement now as we continue our mission of excellent journalism."
The ongoing dispute underscores the critical role of independent student media and the challenges faced when institutional control clashes with journalistic autonomy. Alumni are making it clear that their financial support is tied to the university's commitment to these principles.
