By Kelly Johnson
Correspondent
The College Union Board (CUB) stirred up controversy at the Oct. 28 meeting of the Student Finance Board (SFB), requesting $15,088.40 to bring Tucker Max, a writer, blogger and film producer to the College.
Tucker Max is the author of the New York Times best seller, “I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell,” which he produced as a film this past year.
CUB surveyed the student body of who they would like to come to the College, and Max finished first. Although the content of his material is sometimes viewed as controversial and vulgar, CUB assured SFB that he talks about pursuing his passion for writing, and not just about his escapades.
Some SFB members questioned funding this event because of what they called the inappropriateness and controversy of the content.
“We are looking for you to approve the funds, not the talent,” said Allie Binaco, junior English major and treasurer of CUB.
Although everyone agreed that Max’s stories are controversial, few could dispute that controversy attracts a crowd, as seen several times on the College in the past, such as with Ann Coulter.
“You don’t believe that someone could be that way,” said Winnie Rene, freshman representative and accounting major, who believes that Max’s shocking nature will attract people.
Ashley La Rose, senior representative and psychology and communication studies major, added, “I don’t think people actually take him seriously, but I think it will be very popular.”
Others did not share the same support. “The (College) is doing so many things to combat alcoholism and domestic violence … and we’re going to pay to bring him here,” said Brian Block, SGA representative.
SFB decided to grant CUB an additional $1,350 for a $3 ticket price, granting a total of $16,138.40. The event will take place on Jan. 20 in Kendall Hall from 5-11 p.m., if he accepts the bid. The film will be shown first and then Max will speak.
SFB also granted the Leadership Development Program $2,330.13 for the Leadership Lockup 2010: The Building Blocks of Leadership.
The Lockup is aimed to help students develop their leadership skills through workshops, interaction, and speakers. The event will be on Jan. 17 in the Student Center.
After a unanimous vote, SFB granted INK $736.50 for their semiannual talent show, “The Goods.”
This event showcases student talent on campus and will include Michael Dickman, a poet from Princeton.
The show will take place in the Rathskeller from 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is expected to attract approximately 200 to 300 people throughout the course of the day. The Rat usually closes at 6 p.m., so INK will need to pay additional costs to keep it open.
“It’s very successful every year,” said Garrett Hoffman, junior mathematics major and administrative director.
The event will take place on Nov. 21 in the Rathskeller.
The Asian American Association (AAA) requested $430 for a food workshop that is specific toward Chinese food, and would consist of sample foods, recipes, and food demonstrations.
The event would be part of Experience Asia Month. However, SFB decided that there were already several food events happening in connection with the month, and the insurance would cost more than the food itself.
In a unanimous vote, SFB decided to deny funding for the event due to the number of similar events already taking place.
