2008 Woodie Awards
McLean's death solves nothing
The Editorial Board
Issue date: 9/27/07 Section: Opinions
The untimely death of philanthropist Robert W. McLean poses more questions than it answers. In the wake of his fall from grace, he leaves a controversial legacy. Both 'supporters' and 'victims' are coming out of the woodwork.
Instead of posthumously praising or condemning the man as thief or donor, the community should unite to pick up the pieces. There are plenty of those.
MTSU's McLean School of Music is caught between a rock and a hard place. Bob McLean's pledge to the university purchased brand-new Steinway pianos for the entire School. The benefits of that donation have had a tremendously positive effect on the school, in terms of student recruiting, gaining new faculty and overall prestige. However, with the name 'McLean' attached to the school, it will be difficult to conduct fund-raising efforts, to the detriment of the School of Music.
In spite of recent events, the School of Music is reaching out, not to help itself, but to aid another university in need. On Thursday, Oct. 4, the McLean School of Music will host a PRISM concert to benefit Southern University at New Orleans, which was virtually destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. This sets an example that the community would be wise to follow: the School of Music will continue to do its work.
Another case would be the MTSU Athletic Department. McLean also pledged large sums of money to construction projects, providing a catalyst for expansion, reputation-building and overall growth. Of course, the football team continues to play, and the brand-new BlueTube is up and running. Life goes on.
MTSU needs to look to the future. Regardless of whether or not the Tennessee Board of Regents decides to rename the McLean School of Music, we still have the Steinway pianos. In spite of their origin, they sound fabulous. The new baseball stadium is already under construction. Like it or not, MTSU has benefited from the philanthropic work of Bob McLean.
This affair brings to light a sad fact about MTSU. We do not honor our alumni based on their accomplishments. We honor them based on their checkbooks.
The appearance of a silver lining in this cloud depends on the actions of university and community in the future. If we brush the whole affair under the rug, we gain nothing. If we acknowledge the difficulties presented by this situation, but continue to work and grow, we may mend our reputation.
Instead of posthumously praising or condemning the man as thief or donor, the community should unite to pick up the pieces. There are plenty of those.
MTSU's McLean School of Music is caught between a rock and a hard place. Bob McLean's pledge to the university purchased brand-new Steinway pianos for the entire School. The benefits of that donation have had a tremendously positive effect on the school, in terms of student recruiting, gaining new faculty and overall prestige. However, with the name 'McLean' attached to the school, it will be difficult to conduct fund-raising efforts, to the detriment of the School of Music.
In spite of recent events, the School of Music is reaching out, not to help itself, but to aid another university in need. On Thursday, Oct. 4, the McLean School of Music will host a PRISM concert to benefit Southern University at New Orleans, which was virtually destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. This sets an example that the community would be wise to follow: the School of Music will continue to do its work.
Another case would be the MTSU Athletic Department. McLean also pledged large sums of money to construction projects, providing a catalyst for expansion, reputation-building and overall growth. Of course, the football team continues to play, and the brand-new BlueTube is up and running. Life goes on.
MTSU needs to look to the future. Regardless of whether or not the Tennessee Board of Regents decides to rename the McLean School of Music, we still have the Steinway pianos. In spite of their origin, they sound fabulous. The new baseball stadium is already under construction. Like it or not, MTSU has benefited from the philanthropic work of Bob McLean.
This affair brings to light a sad fact about MTSU. We do not honor our alumni based on their accomplishments. We honor them based on their checkbooks.
The appearance of a silver lining in this cloud depends on the actions of university and community in the future. If we brush the whole affair under the rug, we gain nothing. If we acknowledge the difficulties presented by this situation, but continue to work and grow, we may mend our reputation.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
S. Hicks
posted 9/26/07 @ 10:36 PM CST
Mr. McLean did not engage in "philanthropic work." He stole money from people who had worked hard to earn it, then gave it away to needy institutions so he could feel good and be admired by others. (Continued…)
jon
posted 9/28/07 @ 1:04 AM CST
As a part of the School of Music, it sickens me to see this fraud's name on every music stand, letterhead, and webpage. This disgusting phony redneck closeted homosexual with a taste for young college boys is a nightmare situation for the music school. (Continued…)
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