Support for IIF does not compromise Union renovations, Gilbertson says

There is one thing I look forward to each morning when I arrive on campus, and that is picking up my copy of the Arizona Daily Wildcat. It is always enlightening to read the well-researched articles and the outstanding editorials. On Tuesday, I was surprised to find out that I no longer support the Student Union renovation project and the administration has won me over as one of their own. It is one thing to report facts but to knowingly mislead the student body with false accusations is another. The points that are made in the editorial are false and misleading to the students of this campus.

I ran for the position of ASUA president because (1) I love the University of Arizona, (2) I have several goals and a tangible plan to achieve those goals, and (3) I really enjoy working with students throughout this campus and yes, even administrators. One of the most important issues facing the student body is the Student Union. I don't know about the writers at the Wildcat, but I don't have the nerve to quit a project that I have been working on for over two years. I am happy to report, if the Wildcat would be so inclined as to ask, that the Student Union project will be presented at the May 30 Board of Regents meeting. Thousands of hours have been put into researching the issues, conducting surveys, and organizing university and state-wide support for the project.

This project has a long way to go and it will take ASUA and the student body to ensure its successful completion. The position I have taken and will continue to take is to support the Union as a top priority of the campus. The Integrated Instructional Facility was a top priority of the administration and it was my hope to make a decision that I felt would benefit this university many years down the road. The decision I made was to continue my efforts for the Union and support the IIF project which is further along than the Union project. Both projects WILL add value and excellent opportunities for all students. There is one catch to this whole thing ... most of us will not see the projects completed until we return as alumni. Projects of magnitude take time.

I have not compromised my integrity or my dedication to the students of this campus. We all have hard choices to make and this is definitely one of those choices. Although this project will inconvenience some for 18 months, it will benefit thousands of students in the future. As student leaders we must make decisions to not only benefit the students of today but the generations that will succeed us. The Student Union and the IIF building will work together to attract new students and educate those that attend the university. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please e-mail me at gilbertd@u.arizona.edu.

By Gilbert Davidson (letter)
Arizona Daily Wildcat
April 14, 1997