By Rebecca McNulty
Correspondent
The Student Finance Board (SFB) voted unanimously to deny the College Union Board (CUB)’s $52,973.45 request to bring performance artists Asher Roth and Augustana to campus in November at its meeting last Wednesday, Sept. 23.
“What we’re looking to do this year is a concert that combines different genres,” said Marisa Gonzalez, CUB Event Coordinator.
“It all comes down to making a buzz and getting people excited about it,” said Allie Binaco, CUB treasurer, as she described the ways the concert would benefit students who attend the College.
CUB has had difficulty scheduling the fall concert due to limited availability of Kendall Hall and the performance schedules of other artists they had considered, and SFB members expressed concern that the concert was simply what was available rather than the best artists to perform at the College.
At the end of the spring semester, CUB distributed a survey to students who indicated a general interest in both Roth and Augustana. However, SFB members wondered if the diverse concert would appeal to students.
They also questioned the accuracy of a survey that gauged the popularity of an artist months before the concert would occur.
“I don’t know if the talent is worth the $22,000,” Garrett Hoffman, Administrative Director of SFB said of Roth’s fee.
While SFB denied funding over concerns about a limited student response to the event, CUB representatives are encouraged to resubmit applications for an alternative concert, according to Hoffman.
In a 13-2 vote, SFB funded $2,939 of a requested $5,439 to the Asian American Association (AAA) for its annual event, Opening Ceremonies/Multicultural Buffet. This event will take place Oct. 28 in the Brower Student Center atrium, where students will have the opportunity to enjoy Asian cuisine. The buffet kicks off “Experience Asia,” where Pan-Asian organizations will raise awareness of Asian culture on campus.
The allocated funds include all expenses except performance artist Time Be Told.
While SFB members encouraged live music, they hesitated about the cost of the performer.
In a unanimous vote, SFB funded $11,201.00 to AAA to bring Korean-American comedian Henry Cho to campus. SFB members stipulated the funding was contingent upon moving the event from Mildred & Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall to Kendall Hall and charging a $2 ticket price to anyone without student identification.
“I wouldn’t be comfortable funding this unless it were moved to Kendall,” Hoffman said. “I don’t want anyone to be turned away.”
Also in a unanimous vote, SFB allocated $1,139.00 to Union Latina to bring comedian Erik Rivera to campus. Rivera is scheduled for Oct. 15 in the Mayo Concert Hall.
“His comedy is based on the Latino culture,” said Carolina Chica, presenter for Union Latina. “It would definitely highlight what the culture is about.”
In a third unanimous motion, SFB approved $2,697.15 for Unión Latina for their annual Gala de la Raza multicultural event. This event will commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month by exposing students to traditional folkloric dances and Latin American food.
“Food is our culture, our life, and it evolves every day,” said Xavier Roque, President of Union Latina.
Gala de la Raza will take place Oct. 16 in the student center, room 202 East and West.
In a unanimous vote, the Student Finance Board (SFB) approved Union Latina’s “Under the Same Moon” movie event for $384. “Under the Same Moon” will show the struggles and sacrifices of immigrants as they journey between countries.
The event is scheduled for Oct. 6 in the student center Food Court.
In a unanimous motion, SFB financed $4,000 to the Leadership Development Program (LDP) to bring keynote speaker Kevin Wanzer to campus for Leadership Lockup 2010. Leadership Lockup is a program for student leaders to network and discuss ways to improve their organizations.
