USC administration accepts blame for Darla Moore screw-up

[Conway Gamecock]

That’s a separate argument. This argument is about the university extending condolences.

No its not. I understand that you're just being a contrarian for most of this, and you possibly don't even believe 80% of what you've been posting. You may even be an alt. acct. of the GarnetBeamer dude, who also seems to enjoy dragging the pointless point out for eternity.

But this argument is your point that the university extending condolences should go for each and every of the thousands of alumni and/or donors of $1.00 who have family trauma, and everyone else's argument that if you are going to start SOMEWHERE, it should start firstmost with the largest donor the university has.....

 

[uscwatson21]

No its not. I understand that you're just being a contrarian for most of this, and you possibly don't even believe 80% of what you've been posting. You may even be an alt. acct. of the GarnetBeamer dude, who also seems to enjoy dragging the pointless point out for eternity.

But this argument is your point that the university extending condolences should go for each and every of the thousands of alumni and/or donors of $1.00 who have family trauma, and everyone else's argument that if you are going to start SOMEWHERE, it should start firstmost with the largest donor the university has.....

Nope. My argument is actually the university shouldn't be in the condolences game because it's impossible to treat everyone with the dignity and respect each alumni or donor deserves.

 

[atlanta cock#]

Nope. My argument is actually the university shouldn't be in the condolences game because it's impossible to treat everyone with the dignity and respect each alumni or donor deserves.

So your answer is to do nothing and simply ignore our largest donor. Your brilliance is overshadowed only by your class. 🙄

 

[viennacocks]

I agree that the university administration dropped the ball on this one. BUT the person I really feel sorry for is the poor guy married to her. Can you imagine being hitched to someone with the personality of a rattlesnake?

Nope. My argument is actually the university shouldn't be in the condolences game because it's impossible to treat everyone with the dignity and respect each alumni or donor deserves.

And you certainly shouldn't be in the business game. If I know that a family member of one of my largest investors or customers has died, I am sending condolences. It's simply good business.

 

[GarnetBeamer]

It's pretty humorous that Darla has given President Caslen the silent treatment since he was hired but then expected the royal treatment from him.

That lady (and I use that term loosely) is class and grace personified!

 

[rodemi]

Nice post.

Any University of South Carolina supporter who ever votes for McMaster again for any elected office is out of their mind. He has used the university as his personal political favors account and anyone vested in what is in the best interest of USC should be outraged.

Unfortunately ,voting against Henry would put or state in serious trouble.

 

[USC2USC]

Unfortunately ,voting against Henry would put or state in serious trouble.

How so? He has already put the university we love in serious trouble.

 

[Chanticleer37]

Dear Lord, each day as I suit up to go to my business, I pray my competitors have the mindset of uscwatson21. I realize I’m asking for a lot - Amen

 

[rodemi]

How so? He has already put the university we love in serious trouble.

My comments are not related to USC.. On that front he has been a disaster.

 

[USC2USC]

My comments are not related to USC.. On that front he has been a disaster.

OK, makes sense. But if you agree he has been a disaster for USC, why would you want him re-elected?

 

[Gamekem]

Do you even understand what you posted?

I think you were trying to show Moore disparaging USC, but forgot to even read the article yourself. It clearly shows that her remark was NOT aimed at USC, but at the state of South Carolina itself, and how poorly prepared the state economy was for graduates of the USC business school that bears her name to find quality skilled jobs in-state that would let them put their shiny new business degrees to use.

And she wasn't wrong. This was in 2012, and it would be just as accurate if it was in 2002, 1992, 1982. And sadly, it would still have merit if it was made in 2022.

But there were a LOT of action that were initiated from the same position that Moore and other state academic institutional leaders took regarding skill-based training in-state and the development and cultivation of a skilled higher-industrial state economy to provide jobs for the trained.

The article references Trident Tech for one - my own local Horry-Georgetown Technical College initiated a program from the South Carolina Manfuacturing Certification (SCMC) program partnered with the Manufacturing Skilled Standards Council (MSSC) back in 2013 to give course certifications for Certified Production Technician (CPT) training. This was training for real factory manufacturing skills like used at BMW and Boeing plants in SC. They taught OSHA, Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, safety and quality control practices and measurement, manufacturing processes and production, etc.

Most of this came out of the same thought processes and concerns that Darla Moore spoke about at what was largely a self-back-patting function of the Charleston tourism and business leadership for winning some tourism award from some magazine. She wasn't there to feed her own "Diva" ego. She was there to try to crack the whip on the state moving forward with its economy into the 21st century.

Has Caslen given any speeches of this kind about the State's future?? Has Caslen given any speeches?

Exactly, that excerpt on Darla further proves the point that she actually cares for the University and the success of it's students. That sounds a lot like some who's put in the time, effort and capital to earn the respect of the USC. She means much more to USC than the
just a walking checkbook with an ego that some are trying to dismiss her as.

 

[GarnetBeamer]

Darla severed the relationship with the University years ago. So what's the fuss about?

She gave a lot of money to the school years ago. She then severed her relationship with the school. But now she wants the school to treat her like there's still a relationship.

Kind of like on The Office, when Jan clearly didn't want to be in a relationship with Michael, but wanted the benefits of a relationship and didn't want him to be with Holly. Jan was crazy. Darla is crazy.

 

[GarnetBeamer]

USC admin to Darla:

 

[uscwatson21]

And you certainly shouldn't be in the business game. If I know that a family member of one of my largest investors or customers has died, I am sending condolences. It's simply good business.

So you tell your smaller customers their mothers aren’t as important as your largest customer?

How do they take that?

 

[uscwatson21]

Dear Lord, each day as I suit up to go to my business, I pray my competitors have the mindset of uscwatson21. I realize I’m asking for a lot - Amen

What’s the name of your business? I’m enjoying everyone on here allegedly being Steve Jobs.

 

[GarnetBeamer]

Darla to USC admin:

Also Darla to USC admin:

 

[rodemi]

OK, makes sense. But if you agree he has been a disaster for USC, why would you want him re-elected?

I am not a fan of the Socialist Democratic party. Freedom first I respect other opinions

 

[viennacocks]

So you tell your smaller customers their mothers aren’t as important as your largest customer?

How do they take that?

Stay away from my business because you are lost. You may want to try some business classes at the school with Darla's name on it.

 

[MookieBlaylock9]

Stay away from my business because you are lost. You may want to try some business classes at the school with Darla's name on it.

Apparently, each customer or donor is entitled to the same attention and consideration. Just a brilliant strategy. I'm sure there will be 2 more pages of him stubbornly pretending like he believes his original thoughts.

 

[GarnetBeamer]

Well, Darla actually stopped by USC today:

 

[USCBatgirl21]

Y'all, sometimes it's just about being the bigger person. And given that we were, at one time, the beneficiaries of her generosity, that has benefited thousands of students, we should have, at the very least, sent an email. Or picked up the phone and called The Blossom Shop for them to send a plant over. It would have taken all of 5 minutes. That's not too much to ask.

 

[uscwatson21]

Stay away from my business because you are lost. You may want to try some business classes at the school with Darla's name on it.

Says the guy refusing to answer the question.

It’s common sense that telling a customer they’re not as important as another customer isn’t a winning strategy.

 

[uscwatson21]

Y'all, sometimes it's just about being the bigger person. And given that we were, at one time, the beneficiaries of her generosity, that has benefited thousands of students, we should have, at the very least, sent an email. Or picked up the phone and called The Blossom Shop for them to send a plant over. It would have taken all of 5 minutes. That's not too much to ask.

The hypocrisy being when you make this same argument for other donors, posters claim those donors aren’t important enough to receive that type of respect.

So maybe this whole argument is about more than being a bigger person or sending condolences?

 

[GarnetBeamer]

Y'all, sometimes it's just about being the bigger person. And given that we were, at one time, the beneficiaries of her generosity, that has benefited thousands of students, we should have, at the very least, sent an email. Or picked up the phone and called The Blossom Shop for them to send a plant over. It would have taken all of 5 minutes. That's not too much to ask.

Given that she has not spoken to Caslen since he assumed the presidency, I have no idea why he would have thought to contact her. He doesn't know her and that's exactly the way she wants it. He wasn't here when she gave money to the school and, by her own design and intentions, he has no relationship whatsoever with her. Would it have been nice of him to rise above her level and send some condolences sooner? Sure. But he had other, more important things, going on.

 

[USCBatgirl21]

Given that she has not spoken to Caslen since he assumed the presidency, I have no idea why he would have thought to contact her. He doesn't know her and that's exactly the way she wants it. He wasn't here when she gave money to the school and, by her own design and intentions, he has no relationship whatsoever with her. Would it have been nice of him to rise above her level and send some condolences sooner? Sure. But he had other, more important things, going on.

Who says it has to come from Caslen directly? Surely there was a secretary that could have had the card say "Sincerest Condolences from the University of South Carolina Family". Sweet, simple, to the point.

 

[uscwatson21]

Who says it has to come from Caslen directly? Surely there was a secretary that could have had the card say "Sincerest Condolences from the University of South Carolina Family". Sweet, simple, to the point.

From the AP, they found out on Friday while traveling to the women’s final four. They sent out the condolence letters on Monday.

 

[GarnetBeamer]

Who says it has to come from Caslen directly? Surely there was a secretary that could have had the card say "Sincerest Condolences from the University of South Carolina Family". Sweet, simple, to the point.

I'm just not sure why anyone would have thought to do so, given her antagonistic stance towards the University in recent years. Would it have been nice if someone had done it? Sure. But I don't see how it can reasonbly have been expected. People are only focusing on the fact that she gave a lot of money to the University years ago and completely dismissing the more recent reality that she wants no relationship with the school.

If this was a big-time donor who was in good-standing with the school and there was a relationship, then it's a no-brainer. But that's just not the case.

 

[Bubbaglide]

Says the guy refusing to answer the question.

It’s common sense that telling a customer they’re not as important as another customer isn’t a winning strategy.

One question for you sir. Given that Ms. Moore is or was the largest benefactor to our University and that our business school bears her name, Why did Clemson and another College send condolences while her chosen school failed to do so? Was Clemson wrong or just prudent in their act? Fundraising is all about stroking egos and separating large donors from their money. In truth, her relatives are no more important than ours. In reality, you and I don't have a school in the college named after us. Someone dropped the ball and only after hell was raised did the University admit we dropped the ball.

I hate to be the one to break the news to you but all people are not treated exactly equally in everything every day. That is life. Big donors are always given perks. Someone buying a million units of widgets is always given a better per unit price than someone purchasing 100 widgets. The cost to produce widgets is the same in either case but the big purchaser gets a discount because of the volume of purchases. Would your church treat you differently if you gave a million $ versus someone who gave $10? The should not but give a milllion and see how it works.

 

[USC2USC]

Darla severed the relationship with the University years ago. So what's the fuss about?

She gave a lot of money to the school years ago. She then severed her relationship with the school. But now she wants the school to treat her like there's still a relationship.

Kind of like on The Office, when Jan clearly didn't want to be in a relationship with Michael, but wanted the benefits of a relationship and didn't want him to be with Holly. Jan was crazy. Darla is crazy.

Where are you getting your information that she "severed" her relationship with the university years ago?

 

[uscwatson21]

One question for you sir. Given that Ms. Moore is or was the largest benefactor to our University and that our business school bears her name, Why did Clemson and another College send condolences while her chosen school failed to do so? Was Clemson wrong or just prudent in their act? Fundraising is all about stroking egos and separating large donors from their money. In truth, her relatives are no more important than ours. In reality, you and I don't have a school in the college named after us. Someone dropped the ball and only after hell was raised did the University admit we dropped the ball.

I hate to be the one to break the news to you but all people are not treated exactly equally in everything every day. That is life. Big donors are always given perks. Someone buying a million units of widgets is always given a better per unit price than someone purchasing 100 widgets. The cost to produce widgets is the same in either case but the big purchaser gets a discount because of the volume of purchases. Would your church treat you differently if you gave a million $ versus someone who gave $10? The should not but give a milllion and see how it works.

I applaud you for admitting this is how you feel.
I’m not going to tell you that you’re wrong because it’s a matter of opinion.

 

[uscwatson21]

Where are you getting your information that she "severed" her relationship with the university years ago?

It’s literally in the news articles. “Caslen said Moore has not spoken to him since his arrival in 2019. She also has had little interaction with the trustees.”

You should ask yourself why none of the trustees personally reached out to her considering most of them know her on a personal level.

 

[viennacocks]

I applaud you for admitting this is how you feel.
I’m not going to tell you that you’re wrong because it’s a matter of opinion.

Sorry, your opinion is incorrect.

 

[rogue cock]

It’s literally in the news articles. “Caslen said Moore has not spoken to him since his arrival in 2019. She also has had little interaction with the trustees.”

You should ask yourself why none of the trustees personally reached out to her considering most of them know her on a personal level.

Outside of University business, there is very little interaction between board members.

 

[GarnetBeamer]

I think it's fairly obvious Darla was waiting for such an opportunity so could leverage it into Caslen's ouster.

 

[Bubbaglide]

I applaud you for admitting this is how you feel.
I’m not going to tell you that you’re wrong because it’s a matter of opinion.

It's not my feeling on this. It is fact. You have an agenda and will not admit anything contrary to your agenda.

 

[uscwatson21]

It's not my feeling on this. It is fact. You have an agenda and will not admit anything contrary to your agenda.

I’m curious what you believe is my agenda?

And no, your opinion isn’t a fact.

 

[lexgamecock]

The buck stops at the Presidents desk. Caslen is ultimately responsible. I liked what David Cloninger said the other day: USC will find a way to screw things up.

 

[USC2USC]

It’s literally in the news articles. “Caslen said Moore has not spoken to him since his arrival in 2019. She also has had little interaction with the trustees.”

You should ask yourself why none of the trustees personally reached out to her considering most of them know her on a personal level.

So Caslen has now publicly admitted he dropped the ball on this and taken personal accountability but some are still making excuses for him. The Moore family should have heard directly from the President and the BOT....both.

I have also heard the Caslen comments quoted above but also consider what they do not say. They do not saw he and/or the board reached out to her. Where was the proactive outreach to Mrs Moore at the time? The mess of his hire is very well documented. Darla Moore was far from in the minority in her displeasure with the process. At the time there were student protests on campus, a vote of no confidence from the Faculty Senate and even our regional accreditor issued a damning report confirming the process was flawed with inappropriate political pressure.

So...with all that being the reality.....I would expect our incoming new President the BOT that oversaw the mess understand the bridge building that was in front of them. A VERY good place to start would be to outreach to the #1 donor in the history of the university.

Look...it is very obvious this is one area of a comprehensive public university where Caslen is in over his head. His experience at a military academy could have in no way prepared him for the hyper competitive landscape of big university development and fund raising the the personal relations and stewardship work this takes. He better get his act together or hire a top-notch university development executive to lead Carolina's efforts because their top donor (by far) just walked under his leadership. And don't kid yourselves, she had lots more money to give.

 

[GarnetBeamer]

So Caslen has now publicly admitted he dropped the ball on this and taken personal accountability but some are still making excuses for him. The Moore family should have heard directly from the President and the BOT....both.

I have also heard the Caslen comments quoted above but also consider what they do not say. They do not saw he and/or the board reached out to her. Where was the proactive outreach to Mrs Moore at the time? The mess of his hire is very well documented. Darla Moore was far from in the minority in her displeasure with the process. At the time there were student protests on campus, a vote of no confidence from the Faculty Senate and even our regional accreditor issued a damning report confirming the process was flawed with inappropriate political pressure.

So...with all that being the reality.....I would expect our incoming new President the BOT that oversaw the mess understand the bridge building that was in front of them. A VERY good place to start would be to outreach to the #1 donor in the history of the university.

Look...it is very obvious this is one area of a comprehensive public university where Caslen is in over his head. His experience at a military academy could have in no way prepared him for the hyper competitive landscape of big university development and fund raising the the personal relations and stewardship work this takes. He better get his act together or hire a top-notch university development executive to lead Carolina's efforts because their top donor (by far) just walked under his leadership. And don't kid yourselves, she had lots more money to give.

So much feigned outrage, lol. You people are cracking me up.

 

[USC2USC]

So much feigned outrage, lol. You people are cracking me up.

Your man-hate of Darla Moore is as wrong as your claim that USC was firing Frank Martin.