But its importance has been underscored in the past year as concern has grown about the Twin Cities' lagging position in the high-tech economy, as compared with other American cities. The board of directors of the University Foundation has devoted considerable meeting time in the past year to examining those trends and envisioning the university's role in reversing them. Confidence in President Mark Yudof and his team of administrators is high. In fact, Fischer said, Yudof's handling of the cheating scandal may have enhanced his stature among donors. That the Legislature has been more generous to the university recently with public money has made private money easier to raise, Fischer added.
Donors are reluctant to make up for lost state support.
They would rather provide an added measure of excellence, after having the assurance that the Legislature has covered the basics. Yet to be tapped are the lion's share of alumni and the state's many new businesses who have not been customary university givers. If Minnesota's ability to compete globally matters to them, they belong on Campaign Minnesota's donor list. Copyright 2000 Star Tribune. Republished here with the permission of the Star Tribune.