Neighborhood should embrace TU
Community needs to recognize University's changes, contributions
Jenny Haley
Perspectives | 7/8/07
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In the past 10 years, Towson University has changed dramatically-although some of our neighbors aren't willing to admit it. One significant change that exemplifies the others is the shedding of the "state" from its former title "Towson State University."
The move from TSU to TU marked the University's increasing growth, increasing prestige and greater independence from the state. After 10 years of being "state"-less, you would be surprised how many people in the Towson community seem to be unaware of our new name, and more importantly our new status.
While this may seem insignificant, it points out the greater issue at hand: the Towson community's hesitation to full-heartedly embrace the University as one of its own. The community undoubtedly acknowledges the University's existence, but is still far from embracing it. This will continue to be an increasing problem as TU continues to grow.
As Towson University's reputation has improved regionally in the past decade since it abandoned the "state," more students want to come to Towson, resulting in a significantly higher number of students enrolled each year.
The pace of increasing enrollment was, and still is, much faster than the construction of on-campus housing, forcing students to move beyond TU's borders for housing. This has gradually created a stronger student presence in the surrounding Towson community.
A significant number of longtime Towson residents seem to be in denial about TU's relatively new status as a larger, more prominent institution. Towson has been at its present location for almost 100 years, and while it may not have always been so large or populous, it was here when almost every current Towson resident moved here and it certainly isn't going anywhere anytime soon, and neither are its students.
Possible dissatisfaction among neighbors may result from the above stated unwillingness to acknowledge the new Towson. Towson State represents an era where there were not as many University students in the town, where the University was not taken as seriously as it is now.
The move from TSU to TU marked the University's increasing growth, increasing prestige and greater independence from the state. After 10 years of being "state"-less, you would be surprised how many people in the Towson community seem to be unaware of our new name, and more importantly our new status.
While this may seem insignificant, it points out the greater issue at hand: the Towson community's hesitation to full-heartedly embrace the University as one of its own. The community undoubtedly acknowledges the University's existence, but is still far from embracing it. This will continue to be an increasing problem as TU continues to grow.
As Towson University's reputation has improved regionally in the past decade since it abandoned the "state," more students want to come to Towson, resulting in a significantly higher number of students enrolled each year.
The pace of increasing enrollment was, and still is, much faster than the construction of on-campus housing, forcing students to move beyond TU's borders for housing. This has gradually created a stronger student presence in the surrounding Towson community.
A significant number of longtime Towson residents seem to be in denial about TU's relatively new status as a larger, more prominent institution. Towson has been at its present location for almost 100 years, and while it may not have always been so large or populous, it was here when almost every current Towson resident moved here and it certainly isn't going anywhere anytime soon, and neither are its students.
Possible dissatisfaction among neighbors may result from the above stated unwillingness to acknowledge the new Towson. Towson State represents an era where there were not as many University students in the town, where the University was not taken as seriously as it is now.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Mark from 1983
posted 7/11/07 @ 6:17 PM EST
Maybe the writer should investigate why the surrounding community has not embraced Towson U as growing university, yet.
Most likely the number 1 reason is the behavior of off campus students who violate community standards with their rowdy and drunk behavior and numerous police calls. (Continued…)
Anonymous
posted 7/12/07 @ 9:54 PM EST
If embracing one another is a two way street then it's time for the neighbors to step up. As an alumni of TU I believe Towson University has done plenty with regards to outreach and cooperation. (Continued…)
Evan
posted 8/29/07 @ 12:57 AM EST
There's a pretty big disconnect between the student population and the people who live in central towson. I right off of York Rd, about 50 feet from the bars, and I see it all from front row seats. (Continued…)
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