Lesson Learned

I think they know that many long-time donors are unhappy with them. Wealthy private universities are getting it from all sides---not enough diversity in their students and faculty on one hand, and on the other too much identity politics and opposition to core values like freedom of speech and religion.

Many donors don't care whether they're listed in the group that gives $500, $1,000, or $5,000. They also know that whatever they give makes absolutely no difference to a school with a $10 billion endowment.

So how about being “loyal” or “true” to the tribe? Giving $100 to help a poor kid with her $40,000-a-year tuition: that message doesn't resonate. Well, I do have some admiration for the institutions as they used to be. What I learned back then is that I should give to the food bank or homeless shelter. Lesson learned.