Letter to the Editor

Dear editor: I applaud Gregory Sinn’s initiative to improve the dismal corridor between David… Dear editor: I applaud Gregory Sinn’s initiative to improve the dismal corridor between David Lawrence Hall and Hillman Library with a student-produced mural (“Students vie for University wall,” March 25), but I can’t help but wonder if the Sprout Fund, a charitable institution, should be paying for improvements to the property of a multi-million dollar entity like the University of Pittsburgh.

Sprout is a fantastic institution that affects tremendous change in the city of Pittsburgh – especially in its under-served, low-income neighborhoods that lack access to resources. Meanwhile, the University and the Student Government Board have more than adequate finances, as evidenced by their spending of tens of thousands (if not millions) of dollars on laser light shows, fireworks, leadership retreats, fiberglass panthers, construction projects and real estate acquisition.

Pitt and SGB should facilitate students’ creativity and civic engagement by funding this program themselves, in its entirety, including a generous stipend for Mr. Sinn. They obviously can afford it – let Sprout save its money for a neighborhood that can’t.

Andrew Macurak School of Arts and Sciences