Sandy Barbour letter to Cal donor community

February 11, 2011

Dear Cal Community:

Today's announcement that we are preserving the varsity status of three of our sports is a bittersweet conclusion to a challenging moment in the history of the University of California Athletic Department. On one hand, we are elated that the passionate efforts of our alumni and friends produced enough funding to support Women's Lacrosse, Women's Gymnastics, and Men's Rugby for a solid number of years to come. Because of these fundraising efforts, more than 100 student-athletes will continue to compete on a Varsity level for our University.

On the other hand, the fundraising efforts--although significant by any measure--do not provide sufficient resources to support financial sustainability for the foreseeable future for Men's Gymnastics and Baseball. Unfortunately, at this point in time, the University is not in a financial position to commit to additional expenses to reinstate these two sports without a reasonable certainty that resources will be available to cover those commitments.

I hope that you will take the time to read through the details of the new plan as outlined in the press release. Below is a link to this document:

http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2011/02/11/athletics-continuation/

We are very grateful for the devoted efforts of all who participated in this remarkable fundraising endeavor. In a time of crisis, the Cal family has spoken loudly and clearly about the importance of intercollegiate athletics to the fabric and vitality of our great University. That very powerful and positive message has reached deeply into all facets of the campus community. You were heard.

I remain deeply saddened that the end result is that we will be losing opportunities for student-athletes in Baseball and Men's Gymnastics, and that the economic realities of our campus and department are having a direct and undeniable impact on our students.

Although this has been an extremely challenging time, I hope and believe that the entire Cal Athletics family will pull together in support of our student-athletes, coaches and staff. I remain convinced that, together, we can and will overcome the challenges we must confront. I know that the values and loyalties that bind us together remain strong. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that Cal Athletics' best days are still to come.

Thank you, in advance, for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Sandy Barbour
Director of Athletics