Save Historic Rutherford Hall

We the undersigned, as supporters and stakeholders in the University of Georgia, feel that is imperative that the administration reexamine their plans to demolish Rutherford Hall and take the necessary steps to protect UGA's rich heritage for future generations of Bulldogs. As the oldest state chartered university in the country, it is the duty and expectation of the administration to safeguard that heritage. Recently the stewardship of our historic campus has been called into question by such organizations as the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation. All of these organizations have come out against the demolition of historic Rutherford Hall. We have heard the opinions of these and other organizations, as well as the University's position, and the following is a list of our expectations:

• UGA's rich heritage is important not only to alumni and students but to all the residents of the State of Georgia who take great pride in our prestigious university. A significant element of that pride is the university's history and its standing among higher educational institutions in the United States. Integral to that standing is the preservation of the places that make UGA special to all of us and give us a connection to the past and a platform for the future.   Preserve UGA's heritage.

• Buildings like Rutherford Hall represent living history and should be passed on to future generations of students.   Rehabilitate Rutherford Hall.

• South Campus is as important to the students and alumni of UGA as North Campus and thus deserves the same respect.   Plan for the future of South Campus.

• Demolition of historic structures, and the accompanying environmental impact both on the campus and on the local landfills, should be avoided at all cost.   Be true to UGA's stated principles of sustainability.

• Green spaces like the Myers Quad are critical to the well-rounded experience of students and should be maintained for their recreation and relaxation.   Respect the student experience and the memories of alumni.

• The current administration does not own the campus; they are temporary stewards of our rich heritage. As such, they should seek and respect public opinion and make public the studies they claim support their decisions.   Involve all stakeholders in critical decisions affecting campus heritage.

• Fiscal responsibility with regard to the campus' resources should be consistent. Differed maintenance and neglect should not be regarded as the basis for the future demolition of our valuable historic resources.   No demolition by neglect.

• UGA's administration should publicly commit to the stewardship of all of UGA's historic campus by completing the preservation master plan mandated by the State of Georgia.   Join historic campuses across the country in making historic preservation a priority.

We hope that the administration will consider our concerns, as the stakeholders of the University of Georgia, and take the actions necessary to not only preserve Rutherford Hall but also the pride we all feel for our school.