“University House Project Draws Mixed Reactions as School Suffers Economically” By Antonio Franquiz After The Maryland Board of Public works approved the demolition of University President Wallace Loh’s on-campus home this winter, the house fell to be replaced by a brand new facility much more conducive to fundraising and hosting events. The plan for demolition and reconstruction, which precedes Loh’s presidency, comes at a rough economic period for the school, which has resulted in a firestorm of controversy. The “University House”, as it is being called, consists of two separated elements: a 4,000-squarefoot private residence for President Loh and his wife, Barbara, as well as a 10,000-square-foot “events center” designated for hosting guests. Carrying a hefty price tag of $7.2 million, the project aims to eliminate a varying list of issues that plagued the old residence, some of which are much more significant than others. The presence of asbestos in the former home is a major contributing factor, as well as the need for a more efficient space for conducting fundraising events to boost the school’s image. From this perspective, the University House seems to be a logical and beneficial undertaking—if not a downright necessity. However, coinciding with the elimination of eight varsity sports teams as well as university solicitation of donor funding for students unable to afford the school’s tuition, the reconstruction project has earned scorn and disapproval from much of the public. Sophomore philosophy major Elliott Goldman aligns himself with those opposed to the project. “Being the president of the University, shouldn’t his first and foremost priority be the University?” he said, criticizing fundraising for the president’s gain while other sectors of the school suffer. “It’s obviously incredibly ill-timed with what’s been going on in the Athletic Department,” junior journalism major Matt McNab said, who sympathizes with the tight spot President Loh finds himself in. “I don’t see a problem with it, though. Is it necessary? Yes. Is it ill-timed? Absolutely.” Then there are others who feel the President is being condemned unfairly and that the University House is a perfectly acceptable initiative, regardless of the University’s ailments in other departments. “I don’t play for any of the teams that got cut. I don’t need donors to support my tuition,” said Zack Kamm, a confident sophomore engineering major. “If the President needs a new house, give the man a new house.” Needless to say, the University of Maryland community presents a broad spectrum of perspectives on this high-profile and controversial issue. Criticism and support alike are sure to follow President Loh for the duration of the construction process, which is set to conclude this coming summer. This article originally appeared in the February 2012 edition of Unwind Magazine.