This letter was inspired by an article in today’s Des Moines Register (Apr. 23) and a conversation I with my grandfather. The article was on the front page of the Sports section and it contained information about the new skyboxes being built at Jack Trice Stadium. The article had mentioned that the boxes could be rented for 10 years with prices varying on the amount of seating in each box. $150,000 for 10 seats, $250,000 for 16 and $350,000 for 26. At the end of the article The Register quoted Athletic Director Gene Smith as saying there were 3 skyboxes left and he felt that all would be rented by the start of the season.

In talking to my grandfather, the idea came up that one of the boxes should be donated to a local children’s hospital. If not that, some other worthy children’s charity that would greatly benefit from having one of the boxes. I felt that this would be an excellent idea for obvious humanitarian reasons, but as we all know, this school has started to turn into Iowa State Incorporated rather than Iowa State University where the almighty dollar becomes important.

By donating one of the boxes an argument could be made that the athletic program is losing $150,000. OK, then let’s look at the situation in a business manner. I believe that public relations is a very large part in a corporation’s success. What possibly could be greater PR than donating a skybox to needy children? I hope Mr. Smith gets word of this letter so maybe something positive can come from it.

Joel Frank

Freshman

Undecided