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Notes -
What the hell does someone get out of giving a couple hundred (or thousand) bucks to a school with a Big Ten Network contract pulling in tens of millions? I just don't get it. I get spending money to go to a football game, but I have no idea why someone picks up a call from their alumni org and replies that they'd be happy to cut a small check.
Often, some (often overstated)level of influence over minor traditions that may be important to them, personally- this was how the same UTA was previously talked out of getting rid of its fight song 'the eyes of Texas are upon you' at least once. Alternatively, frequently better opportunities for either networking or a notionally better chance at getting sporting tickets or something like that.
Realistically, most alumni don't donate, and a good chunk of those who do are donating to specific organizations affiliated with the school(eg the marching band) or have too much money to know what to do with anyways.
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