What a completely shameful and utter waste of money. It would be better spent creating a grant or scholarship program for poor students who get accepted to A&M, but can't afford the cost of tuition. Or how about creating and sponsoring programs in junior high and high schools to help underprivileged students prepare and get into college. What about feeding and caring for those who cannot care for themselves? If A&M wants a fountain, buy it yourself. Stop begging alumni for pocket money.

Dude get over yourself. These people love a&m and are taking money from their own pocket to help it look better. There are already a number of ways in which poorer people are able to get money, and who is to say that these people haven't donated before? If the school bought the fountain they would just make incoming students pay for it with even bigger increases in tuition.

While Jericho's delivery was flawed, his argument is not. What should be more important to Aggies, a fountain, or more financial aid to help less fortunate Aggies pay for the increasing cost of attending A&M? I don't think anyone would say a fountain.

I have to think about it from another perspective...

Cain Hall, Rudder Tower, Zachary Engineering Building, Wehner Bldg.

These are all names that we Aggies are familiar with. Most of us encounter these or a multitude of other buildings name after alumni whom have made substantial monetary contributions. I think it's fair to say that thousands of people can remember these facilities by heart and some might even know the story behind the name. How many of us, can say that we encounter or remember the names of many scholarships or fellowhips. Other than the ones I was awarded, I can name few, if any. I'm thankful for those financial aid opportunities, but it is fair to say that a significantly less amount of recognition is received from these items simply due to less exposure. Seldomly, if ever, do they get reported in the Batt. There are innumerous numbers of financial aid contributors and the amount being offered to students via financial aid is increasing annually. These large contributors deserve their special place on campus so that their generosity can be experienced by more than a few. These people have worked hard for decades to become successful and now they wish to not be selfish but to give their hard earned dollars back to a great institution. I agree every dollar towards financial aid is a valuable thing, but let's not dare criticize the generosity of a hard working family who only desires to contribute to their alma mater in the way that it has contributed to them. Let's be gracious and consider thanking the Gruy family. It is selfless people such as these that make me proud to be a member of the Texas A&M Alumni. I only hope to be able to make a difference as they have in the future.

Sincerely,
James Cole Walsh
Aggie Class of '05 & '06

I fail to see how yet another fountain on this campus benefits the students of A&M. Yes, a fountain is pretty. And yes you can "pond hop" in one. But how does that help you, as a student succeed at A&M? Especially a fountain that will be located at the A&M Foundation. The money donated just covers the initial cost of building the fountain. What about upkeep and running costs? There are research programs around this campus that are desperate for funding. There are students who are more than qualified to attend this university that are unable to even afford the books required. This money would have benefited far more students had it been used to endow a few professorhips or scholarships. Well, at least we'll have a fountain to point towards when potential students ask us how this university prioritizes alumni donations.