As a 1995 graduate of Western Illinois University, I was dismayed to read the editorial on the university (“The crisis at Western Illinois University and beyond,” Aug. 13). While it is accurate, it fails to address the core issues and lack of vision of WIU’s leadership and trustees. Students attend a university for various reasons, but at the core are reputation and quality of life, both of which have been in decline at WIU for many years.
WIU’s reputation was built on several key program offerings (most notable, law enforcement), and there has been a lack of investment in building those programs. While I appreciate the effort, I believe that investing in a new state-of-the-art crime lab not only would enhance the law enforcement program but also would create an asset for the state of Illinois and would be a better use of tax dollars than building a new multimillion-dollar theater. I appreciate the arts and what they provide, but I keep asking myself: Why?
Furthermore, WIU has done little to encourage quality-of-life programs that make it an enjoyable place to be. The virtual dismantling and lack of investment in Greek life and other programs is just one example. Although opinions on Greek life may vary, research shows that universities with strong Greek life programs see increases in enrollment and a better quality of life. Personally, I continue to visit my fraternity at WIU several times a year, highlighting the lifelong commitment many alumni have to the university.
Both WIU and the state need to invest in quality initiatives that build reputation and improve student quality of life. In the end, students want to attend an institution that provides a quality education and is a fun place to be. I believe in WIU and see its potential.
— Paul Anast, Tinley Park
Boosting Western Illinois University
With respect to the editorial about Western Illinois University, I was saddened to hear that the university is experiencing such low enrollment.
As a 1982 graduate of WIU, I found the city of Macomb friendly and welcoming, with many residents who did not work for the university. WIU has a beautiful campus with Midwestern charm, as well a quaint downtown square.
On top of getting a good education, I made several friends at WIU who I am still in touch with today. I can only hope that the state of Illinois can find a way to increase enrollment at the university, boost the city of Macomb’s economy and make changes to return WIU to a competitive and successful university.
— Terry Takash, Western Springs
Stunned by university’s decline
I was so disheartened to read the Aug. 13 editorial about the crisis at Western Illinois University. I graduated from there in 1983. Enrollment then was up to 14,000 students at a vibrant campus with nice amenities in a great Midwestern farm town, Macomb. Western had highly rated educational choices including an accredited business school, which is what I graduated from. It was affordable and had great faculty, sports programs and intermural programs. There was the usual push and pull between student and townsfolk — but overall, it was a great relationship.
I am stunned to see this decline. I hope the leaders who brought it to this point are part of the attrition, and I really hope it can be rebuilt into the strong academic, affordable institution it used to be. Graduates from WIU have accomplished much and contributed much, and the university gave affordable opportunity to those who could not afford the big-time schools. WIU delivered quality education on a par with far more expensive universities. It would be a tragedy to see it fail.
— Randy Loess, Elburn
University should switch focus
In regards to the editorial about Western Illinois University: Western has been known for two primary schools focused on law enforcement administration and education. Police departments and schools have seen a great reduction of people applying for those jobs. Because there are fewer people seeking those degrees, the university needs to adjust its focus to technology and the medical fields.
— John Kerlin, Hinckley
Assessment of Ukraine’s actions
In his Aug. 13 column, Daniel DePetris suggests that Ukraine’s successes in its war against Russia “could very well turn into a pyrrhic victory tomorrow” (“Ukraine’s daring offensive humiliates Russia. But to what end?”). He claims the incursion is a “huge gamble.” He says Russia has not redeployed troops from other occupied regions to fend off the invasion. He submits that Ukraine will likely have to give up the land quickly.
Ukraine not only entered Kursk but also Belgorod; the governor of the Belgorod district ordered its evacuation. Russia is redeploying troops from other combat fronts to attempt to slow or stop Ukrainian gains. Ukraine is setting up trenches and barriers in occupied Russian territory so Ukraine may retain the land.
The incursion also changes the tenor of Russia’s TV propagandists; no longer is the special military operation going as planned. Ukraine’s efforts would be quicker and easier if the West allowed it to use long-range missiles. If invading Russia did not cross Russia’s nuclear red line, surely allowing Ukraine the use of missiles should be acceptable in this war. The Ukrainians were wise not to publicize their objectives. Russia, President Vladimir Putin and the country’s federal security agency are in disarray. The Ukrainian successes have reenergized Ukraine’s military and its people.
— Richard Hahin, Cortland, Illinois
How Ukraine can win the war
The Ukrainians will win if they manage to seize just one major city in Russia and then dare the Russians to fight a block-by-block street battle to try to liberate it.
Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot survive if a large metropolis in the Russian Federation is reduced to rubble when he promised his people an easy victory.
— Arthur Roizman, Chicago
Candidates should fact-check
It would be extremely helpful to voters if political candidates were required to fact-check their speeches before delivering them and be ready to verify the sources of their facts when they are challenged.
— Marie F. Baker, Hinsdale
Time for cartoonist to move on
Cartoonists are artists who draw pictures to entertain, educate and persuade people. Editorial cartoonist Steve Kelley continually misses the mark. His hyperpartisan approach isn’t amusing or insightful and certainly not persuasive. From embracing ageism to sexism and racism, it’s time for him to move on from his unbalanced, pedestrian approach to editorial political commentary. Or the Tribune should move on.
— Lindsay Resnick, Chicago
Editorial board’s choices telling
Before the 2016 presidential election, the Tribune Editorial Board did not endorse Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton but rather Libertarian Gary Johnson. It seems like the editorial board might be hinting at not endorsing another Democratic female candidate with its choices of political cartoons and words like “pandering” in its Aug. 14 editorial (“Kamala Harris signs on to a signature Trump issue, taking pandering to new depths”). Regarding the editorial, since when did good ideas belong to one candidate?
— Colleen Oenning, Park Ridge
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