Post by FAUtuba on Jun 12, 2007 7:39:47 GMT -5
Over the last several weeks, the Palm Beach Post has written several
articles and editorials about the University and philanthropist Barry
Kaye. The University shared its stance on the newspaper's position
through a letter to the editor, which the editorial board members have
indicated they will not run as submitted.
We strongly believe the University family should know our opinion on
the issues raised by the news outlet. Below, you will find a copy of
the letter we provided to the newspaper. We would like to thank you for
your continued support.
-------------
June 7, 2007
To the Editor:
The primary mission of any university is to serve as a forum where
knowledge is imparted to its constituents. Great responsibility comes
with serving as a vehicle for this knowledge -- universities must
strive every day to provide accurate, honest and truthful information.
A similar responsibility is expected of the press. This is why we can
no longer continue to tolerate the clear attempts made in the last
several weeks by the Palm Beach Post to malign and damage the
reputations of Florida Atlantic University and philanthropist Barry
Kaye.
In its latest editorial of June 3, the Palm Beach Post stated its
official position on a variety of subjects pertaining to FAU, including
a current professional regulatory agency investigation of Barry Kaye's
company. In the editorial, the Post calls a question, "How long does
FAU intend to tolerate Mr. Kaye's behavior?" The Post is clearly hungry
to condemn Barry Kaye, rushing to judgment without allowing due process
to take its course in the completion of the regulatory review. The
timing of the Post's editorial is particularly upsetting; coming one
day after the Sun-Sentinel reported that the investigation of Mr. Kaye
may be the result of an error. Is it the Post's contention that FAU
should not "tolerate" Mr. Kaye potentially being the victim of a
mistake?
By taking this reckless action, the Post is not only damaging the
reputation of an institution of higher education that is making great
strides in programmatic and research endeavors but is also hurting each
and every alumnus whose degree carries the University name and also
students working towards their degree. Furthermore, the Post's
relentless onslaught against the University has the potential to
negatively impact the University's relationships with donors.
Like so many of our benefactors, Mr. Kaye is a friend to FAU. It is
with his gift of $16 million to the University -- the largest single
gift in FAU's history -- that FAU is able to provide some of the best
educational opportunities for its students. Kaye's gift establishes a
school of finance, insurance and economics; develops an institute of
insurance in philanthropy; and extends far beyond our current capacity
the ability to hire world class faculty. Kaye has also donated an
additional $900,000 to create gathering space for alumni in the alumni
center and established an endowment fund in integrative arts education
and outreach in the arts and letters college. The philanthropic support
of the Kayes also allowed the University to completely renovate its
performing arts auditorium lobby.
Barry Kaye's sustained and extraordinary generosity should not be
vilified. It should be emulated. Newspapers that make the community
aware of generous university contributions help instill a sense of
charity within others and provide the community a service. Vilifying
donors does not serve the community.
As part of the University's responsibility to its faculty, staff and
students, there are a number of tools the University employs to ensure
that our friends and donors have the best interest of the University at
heart. The University has and will continue to exercise due diligence
to ensure our donor gifts remain in the best interests of the
University.
We remind the Palm Beach Post editorial board members again of their
responsibility to provide for its readers clear, accurate and honest
opinions based on fact.
Sincerely,
Frank T. Brogan
President
Florida Atlantic University
Leslie M. Corley
Chairman
Florida Atlantic University Foundation, Inc.
Norman Tripp
Chairman
Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees
articles and editorials about the University and philanthropist Barry
Kaye. The University shared its stance on the newspaper's position
through a letter to the editor, which the editorial board members have
indicated they will not run as submitted.
We strongly believe the University family should know our opinion on
the issues raised by the news outlet. Below, you will find a copy of
the letter we provided to the newspaper. We would like to thank you for
your continued support.
-------------
June 7, 2007
To the Editor:
The primary mission of any university is to serve as a forum where
knowledge is imparted to its constituents. Great responsibility comes
with serving as a vehicle for this knowledge -- universities must
strive every day to provide accurate, honest and truthful information.
A similar responsibility is expected of the press. This is why we can
no longer continue to tolerate the clear attempts made in the last
several weeks by the Palm Beach Post to malign and damage the
reputations of Florida Atlantic University and philanthropist Barry
Kaye.
In its latest editorial of June 3, the Palm Beach Post stated its
official position on a variety of subjects pertaining to FAU, including
a current professional regulatory agency investigation of Barry Kaye's
company. In the editorial, the Post calls a question, "How long does
FAU intend to tolerate Mr. Kaye's behavior?" The Post is clearly hungry
to condemn Barry Kaye, rushing to judgment without allowing due process
to take its course in the completion of the regulatory review. The
timing of the Post's editorial is particularly upsetting; coming one
day after the Sun-Sentinel reported that the investigation of Mr. Kaye
may be the result of an error. Is it the Post's contention that FAU
should not "tolerate" Mr. Kaye potentially being the victim of a
mistake?
By taking this reckless action, the Post is not only damaging the
reputation of an institution of higher education that is making great
strides in programmatic and research endeavors but is also hurting each
and every alumnus whose degree carries the University name and also
students working towards their degree. Furthermore, the Post's
relentless onslaught against the University has the potential to
negatively impact the University's relationships with donors.
Like so many of our benefactors, Mr. Kaye is a friend to FAU. It is
with his gift of $16 million to the University -- the largest single
gift in FAU's history -- that FAU is able to provide some of the best
educational opportunities for its students. Kaye's gift establishes a
school of finance, insurance and economics; develops an institute of
insurance in philanthropy; and extends far beyond our current capacity
the ability to hire world class faculty. Kaye has also donated an
additional $900,000 to create gathering space for alumni in the alumni
center and established an endowment fund in integrative arts education
and outreach in the arts and letters college. The philanthropic support
of the Kayes also allowed the University to completely renovate its
performing arts auditorium lobby.
Barry Kaye's sustained and extraordinary generosity should not be
vilified. It should be emulated. Newspapers that make the community
aware of generous university contributions help instill a sense of
charity within others and provide the community a service. Vilifying
donors does not serve the community.
As part of the University's responsibility to its faculty, staff and
students, there are a number of tools the University employs to ensure
that our friends and donors have the best interest of the University at
heart. The University has and will continue to exercise due diligence
to ensure our donor gifts remain in the best interests of the
University.
We remind the Palm Beach Post editorial board members again of their
responsibility to provide for its readers clear, accurate and honest
opinions based on fact.
Sincerely,
Frank T. Brogan
President
Florida Atlantic University
Leslie M. Corley
Chairman
Florida Atlantic University Foundation, Inc.
Norman Tripp
Chairman
Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees
