Over the past couple weeks, some have raised objection to the ticketing policy employed for high-profile Gaston Hall events. Unfortunately, some seats sat empty during the visits by Afghanistan’s president Hamid Karzai, Senator Barack Obama, and CNBC’s Jim Cramer. The Lecture Fund has been specifically blamed for these problems and would like to take this opportunity to respond.
First, it is important to recognize that Georgetown does not have a standard ticketing policy encompassing all events. Instead, ticketing decisions are made in consultation with the Office of Protocol and Events and any other co-sponsoring campus groups. Third-party organizations (such as Moveon.org and CNBC) are often responsible for the speaker and require some seats too. Throughout the entire process, the Lecture Fund acts vigorously to secure as many possible places for students, faculty, and staff. Our mission is to promote dialogue and we certainly want all Hoyas to share in that endeavor.
We recognize that no ticketing system is perfect. The email RSVP system, while convenient, is unfair as it simply rewards those who check their inboxes frequently. The other options have their faults too. Ticket distribution via tabling can clash with other commitments for many students and staff. An online lottery – often proposed as the cure-all – is certainly fairer. Still, a lottery winner has no more incentive to actually attend than someone who successfully reserves by email. Although it is never a guarantee, keep in mind that the standby line has been admitted in its entirety at each of the afore-mentioned lectures.
Going forward, the Lecture Fund will continue to strongly push for greater opportunity and fairness. An online lottery system followed by tabling in Red Square is perhaps the best bet. This would promote equality of opportunity while also rewarding perseverance. Please let us know your suggestions at www.lecturefund.org.
—Michael Jurist (SFS, 07)
Chair, Lecture Fund
An article entitled “GPB budget woes” by Will Sommer in the Sept. 28 issue issue of the Voice contained the following paragraph relating incorrect information from a GPB staff member during a meeting open to the public: “Fountains of Wayne frontman Chris Collingwood made sure the night wasn’t without incident, however. He was so intoxicated during the set that the band’s manager asked for a pail onstage in case Collingwood wanted to throw up, according GPB concert chairman Twaji Ewool.”
I didn’t see this until someone emailed it to me, but ‘intoxicated’is the wrong word. I haven’t been drinking for weeks, because my nausea was a response to anti-depressant medication that I’ve been taking (apparently for seven weeks I’ll have dizziness, sleepiness, nausea and headaches). I had flu symptoms all day long and had been vomiting since breakfast the day before.
The fact that I made the stage at all was a surprise to the whole band.
Just to set the record straight, I’ve certainly had one too many in my day, but not THAT day.
—Chris Collingwood
Lead singer and guitarist, Fountains of Wayne
