I am not trying to single you out because many have posted the same or similar frustration on this topic, but what type of a response did you really hope to receive from Kaler? Embarrassment? Tears? Nothing short of “Norwood did WHAT?!?!? Don’t worry, I’ll take care of this!!” is going to satisfy you. The same goes for people complaining about the content of their telephone conversations to discuss the changes. What could they say that would placate you? You aren’t going to get some line employee in the athletic department to waive the donation requirement or confess that they are scared to death that this might not work. They can say they are sorry that it doesn’t work for you and that they appreciate your prior support, but if you feel like you have been screwed over, that isn’t going to have any impact.
The whole thing might well backfire, but they are committed to it for now unless and until the AD changes course. By all means, voice your displeasure and vote with your feet, but I don’t get the outrage over the tone of the response. A form letter from the President of the University or the AD? Gasp, I expect a personal call each time I raise a concern. We had an AD who would respond to every e-mail he ever got and I, for one, thought that was about the biggest waste of time I had ever heard about. Most of us were glad when he left. For better or worse, the new guy thinks bigger. I don’t like being asked to pay more money, but in the end I understand why they want me to do so and it’s my decision on whether I do or don’t.