The non-profit group that owns much of University Boulevard needs to do a better job of ensuring a balance between business and student needs.

University Drug is closing its doors after 80 years of servicing the needs of UA students. Itâs a bit disappointing to see such a long-standing university landmark shut down over a petty lease dispute with the Marshall Foundation.

We can only hope that itâs all in the best interest of UA students.

The Marshall Foundation, established in 1930, is the landlord of East University Boulevard. All businesses located on its street, with the exceptions of Chenâs CafŽ, Landmark Clothing and Shoes, Frog & Firkin, and No Anchovies, pay monthly rent to the non-profit organization. In turn, the Marshall Foundation gives 50 percent to 60 percent of its net profit to the UA in the form of scholarship funds and project grants ÷ in 2001 alone, it gave $176,012 to the university.

Thatâs fantastic, but the Marshall Foundation needs to bear in mind that it is the needs of students that will earn it the most profit in the long run. Servicing those needs would ultimately return the most money to the UA.

Mike Rukasin, University Drugâs owner since 1980, would likely agree that the latest direction the Marshall Foundation has taken was not the wisest decision in that regard. He would argue that University Drug is an asset to the UA, economically and culturally.

ãIt has been an icon for the University,ä Rukasin said. ãEverybody knows this area by this store, it serves as meeting place and people call us for information about the University like what time is the football game and who is playing at Centennial Hall.ä

University Drug deserved better treatment than what has led to its untimely closure. However, the Marshall Foundation realizes that it must do whatever will benefit its charities, including the UA, the most.

Yet, a balance needs to be maintained between maximizing profit and student service. The removal of University Drug will not only forever alter the historical legacy of East University, but will also temporarily prevent on-campus students from easy access to pharmaceutical and grocery supplies that they have depended on for decades.

We hope the Marshall Foundation made a wise decision here, and that whoever fills the void that University Drug will be leaving will be beneficial to students, both in access and assets.

ãWeâd love to be staying and still servicing our customers,ä Rukasin said. ãI just want to thank everyone for the past 80 years,ä he said.

Thank you, University Drug. Itâs no longer your responsibility to supply us with our needs. Itâs in the hands of the Marshall Foundation.