HELP THE SPIRIT SHOP AT FORD STADIUM

[ACALLFORHELP]

Let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Alex Griffin. I am a junior here at SMU and I am employed by Bob Sharp at the Spirit Shop at SMU in Ford Stadium. I am posting this message because I need help. It has been brought to my attention that John Koerner, Senior Associate Athletic Director- Finance/Economics has made the executive decision to do away with the Spirit Shop. From what has been said, he will bring in a new company that will NOT be open during the week, but only on game days. Beside game day operations, the new company will have and Internet site where they will sell merchandise.
Not only as an employee, but also as a student I am very concerned. It is devastating that this man, who is unfamiliar with the happenings in Ford Stadium and in the Spirit Shop would make a decision that would not only effect every student at SMU, but alumni, athletes of every sport and visitors to the SMU campus. I have not visited a campus that does not have a spirit store open in their football stadium. It is unfortunate that because Mr. Koerner feels that he may be able to make more money with a new company that is in no way related to SMU, he would run out a man and a company that is devoted to the students and athletes of SMU. I know that many of you are familiar with Mr. Bob Sharp and realize how devastating this news is, but for those of you who do not; I would like to let you know that Mr. Sharp is a devoted fan of Mustang Athletics and makes a special point to meet and greet every athlete and student who walks through the Spirit Shop. You can find Mr. Sharp at almost every SMU sporting event, with a positive thing to say about every athlete and the team in general. Mr. Sharp has devoted the last 7 years to make this Spirit Shop a friendly store welcoming to every customer.
On almost any day of the week you can find students, athletes, coaches, alumni and staff stopping by the Spirit Shop to either pick up that latest T-Shirt or just to say hello to Mr. Sharp. The closing of the Spirit Shop is heartbreaking and shocking:
• We are the only store that carries spirit merchandise on
campus.
• We are open daily for the many groups of students that
come on campus: Mustang Monday tours, AARO, Football
recruits and prospective student’s tours.
• We also serve as the welcome stop for students, alumni and
visitors interested in looking at Ford Stadium, visiting Heritage
Hall and the Alumni Offices.
I cannot believe that Mr. Koerner could overlook the loyalty and passion that Mr. Sharp has for SMU just to make an extra buck. Mr. Sharp has stuck with the Spirit Shop through the hard times, and as the football team begins to grow and prosper, Mr. Sharp’s optimism and dedication is rewarded with this. As a student I look forward to becoming a part of the strong alumni base that SMU is known for, but is disheartening that Mr. Sharp's dedication as an alum has meant nothing. I am not sure how high up the information has traveled, but I am certain that President Turner has not been informed. I am asking for help. I have informed many people of this problem including coaches, staff and fellow students who are all helping in the cause. I believe that the more pressure we put on Mr. John Koerner, the more we will get done. His telephone number is 214.768-3585 and his e-mail address is [email protected]. Please let him know how you feel about this. Feel free to e-mail me with any further questions as well, [email protected].
Thank you for your time. Bob Sharp, The Spirit Shop and I appreciate your help.