Dievendorf’s dedication helped students flourish
It is with great sadness that I read from across the country that Linda Dievendorf has been betrayed by the very institution for whom she has dedicated herself the last 17 years. I came to know Linda while I worked at the Cultural Forum. I performed duties ranging from reception to posturing, security and stage crew. In part because of her good example I have gone on to become a successful agent working in Boston, Mass.
I am not the only one who has flourished in the music industry under Linda’s watch. Jason Miller went from concert coordinator at the U of O to President of Horde Tour, and now he is a senior executive at House of Blues International. Adam Zacks went from his student job at the Cultural Forum working with Linda to working for Double T Concerts, one of the largest promoters in the Northwest and operator of the Roseland Theater in Portland. In the coming years, the music industry will be seeded with those who trained under Linda’s watchful eye.
I don’t know much about the politics of the University and its administration. As an alumnus I am often confused by policy and its effects on students, faculty and the community. But I do understand economics. I will withhold my support as an alumnus for a university that finds it more important to hang billboards in New York City than to keep its most dedicated educators and staff.

Phil Simon
class of 1992

Dievendorf’s termination will negatively affect University
I have never earned a cent with my University of Oregon degree. I have, however, managed to support myself quite nicely using skills that were born of my experience working with Linda Dievendorf and the Cultural Forum.
On May 23rd, without consulting students, the administration terminated the contract of Linda Dievendorf, who has served the students of the University for almost two decades.
Linda Dievendorf and the Cultural Forum are one of the few resources on campus where students can gain any experience that is applicable to the world outside of the University. Beyond giving students valuable work experience, the result of that hard work is a hugely enriched cultural landscape for the student body.
I can only imagine the shameful political motivations that inspired this termination, but I can say without a doubt that it will have a resounding negative impact on the University as a whole.

Dan Stiles
class of 1994