I’m writing after receiving Chancellor Coombe’s letter to members of the DU community regarding the phase-out of funding for student groups using the Boone image. This decision, while not surprising, left me dismayed.

In his efforts to build “inclusive excellence,” Chancellor Coombe alienates a substantial portion of the DU community—alumni who fondly remember their time at DU and the classic Boone mascot that represented the school for so long.

The most striking section of Chancellor Coombe’s message was the decision by the USG to “phase out funding from student activities fees used by clubs or student groups for materials bearing the Boone image.” After dealing with DU for a number of years, I understand all too well that he who controls the purse strings controls the decisions.

That said, Chancellor Coombe and the USG would be wise to remember that those who control a large portion of DU’s purse are, in fact, alumni. Alumni who grow increasingly frustrated with the inane, inconsiderate and cowardly decisions of this chancellor and those who march to his tune.

I graduated in 2009. I have neither the power nor financial influence to encourage DU to reconsider its steps regarding Boone and its treatment of student groups.

But I, and my peers in the young alumni groups, will remember Chancellor Coombe’s actions today 30 years from now.

Do not be surprised if those who control the purse strings in the future are less willing to support DU as a result of Chancellor Coombe’s and the USG’s decisions today.