A big day for Knight
Both The Oregonian and and the Register-Guard have front-page stories on Phil Knight today. The Oregonian story is huge, covering Knight’s influence in the UO and much of the controversy that accompanies it. Knight refused to be interviewed for The Oregonian. It’s funny because Knight actually requested an interview with the R-G to clear up some of the same issues that the O story brings up. He said he wanted to assure people that the new arena project was not “some kind of unseemly scam on the taxpayers.” The R-G article is mainly a Q&A fluff piece, although it’s interesting to hear Knight speak out.
One point of interest is that Knight’s $100 million donation comes with the stipulation that it can be withdrawn if the UO does not secure state-backed bonds for the new arena by June 1. The state legislature approved a $200 million bond in February, and the UO will take its case to the State Board of Higher Education next month for final approval. Coincidently, the UO spent $270,000 in lobbying expenses in 2007, up from $90,000 in 2006. I wonder how much they’re spending this year?
Its called retaliation for the unwanted Rachel Bachman (oregonian) ongoing investigations….
Dear Ms Haley
The IRS would like to know more about these endowment losses. Please post details here, since I frequently read the Commentator in between audits and blood lettings.
Thank you,
Linda E. Stiff
Former Commissioner General, IRS
One interesting thing I learned this week is that some of the endowments (probably all of them, but it is not being talked about) in the University’s care are losing money fairly quickly, like the money the Holden Leadership Center (HLC; formerly the Leadership Resource Center) was given this last year, forcing the HLC to request money from senate for their annual event Leadershape.
I believe, but am not 100% sure, the arena donation is being managed in the same investment avenues as the University endowment monies, and due to the economy right now, is probably losing money at a rapid rate. This arena project is going to get very exciting!