Dear Editor,
Dr. Wykoff, I would like to express my most heart-felt gratitude at your efforts in getting the Gore lecture moved to the Mini-Dome. Some of us believe in the power of non-violent direct action – peaceful protest, if you will – to make our voices heard. I believe the petition was a huge success for all of those involved in this matter.
Al Gore receives confirmation that MANY East Tennesseans support him and his work; the school of public health receives the gratitude from thousands of faculty, staff, students and community members at having the foresight to bring Mr. Gore to our campus; and ETSU community members get to attend a somewhat historic event.
As we gathered petition signatures I was touched by some of the comments from students. They felt as if getting to see Al Gore in person would be a reward for all of their hard work over the last year to conserve during the ETSU budget crisis.
Students commented that after receiving requests from Dr. Stanton over the last year urging students and faculty to conserve, they willingly did just that. They gave up several large social events in the name of fiscal conservation and worked hard to promote recycling, conservation and cost-savings all across campus.
Many students feel that Al Gore is the figurehead who is ultimately responsible for this campus-wide mindset; the opportunity to see him in person and express gratitude to him is a fitting reward. Again, many thanks for making this opportunity accessible to all of those who wish to attend.
-Angela Barlow

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