Ohio University announced plans last week to build a new student-athlete academic center in the north end zone of Peden Stadium.
The facility, which will cost an estimated $5.5 million, will be made possible by a $2.25 million donation from alumni Perry and Sandy Sook and will bear their namesake.
The fundraising campaign that will cover the estimated remaining cost ($2.75 million) reminds us of a recent university fundraising efforts of larger means but similar significance.
The Walter Fieldhouse, which sits next door to the site of the academic building, was made possible by a large lead donation, a subsequent fundraising campaign, and, later on, student fees.
As long as this fundraising campaign doesn’t follow that same route, we support the idea of a new academic facility.
We oppose the construction of the facility if it goes the way of the fieldhouse — which is available to all students, to be fair. This academic building would be used by only the approximate 450 student-athletes, so all students should not be tasked with supporting it.
We already heartily support our student-athletes — with our fees and otherwise — so we think an additional cost to students would be unnecessary.
Of course, there has been no indication that student fees will be used for the academic center. But that was initially the case with the fieldhouse as well — to the best of our knowledge.
To reiterate our point: We’re in favor of improved facilities for our student-athletes as long as the necessary finances come from donors, not students. If that were not the case, we can think of better uses for our tuition dollars.
Editorials represent the majority of The Post’s executive editors.
