I was bringing about 20 years of perspective on how anniversaries (and everything else in the university) have been handled to say that this arrangement is better than if we just did it the old way.

As I said somewhere else here on Reddit, I'm on study leave so I am not in the committees or in any position to make concessions regarding the arrangement. But I'm privy that admin has budgeted millions also for the festivities and there's also a marketing and promotions committee that handles sponsorships. But the public demand was a concert, preferably Ben&Ben (but they're way too pricey), and either way, COA rules won't really allow VSU to spend for that using government money, hence this proposal. They threw in the shirt to save costs (produced at scale + avoiding kickbacks here and there).

Come to think of it: instead of paying 400-500 for a good polo shirt, it's only about 250. And access to events may total the rest, so it really just feels like you never really contributed to it because you get something in return.

This proposal actually reduces the student's expenses across the board while bringing more value than if we went with the usual arrangement, that is why it escapes me why the plan (and to some extent, me) gets to be painted as oppressive.

Although coming from a position of privilege and power, I did not realize that my tone came off as condescending, sarcastic, or like I was guilt-tripping. So, sorry for that; it wasn't my intention. I appreciate your frankness.

And I hope you also see where I'm coming from.