After spending thousands of dollars on books, tuition andparties over their years at The University of Memphis, some Maygraduates said they draw the line at class rings, pricey graduationannouncements and alumni association memberships.
"The point is that I'm graduating and I've achieved something,not that I have all this overpriced cheap stuff," said RachelJackson, senior nursing major. "There is no way I would spend mymoney on that, and no way I would join the alumni association."
But The University of Memphis Alumni Association is very popularamong graduates because of the benefits members receive, accordingto The U of M group. For an annual fee of $35 or a $500 lifetimefee, members receive discounts from Cingular Wireless, KaplanEducational Center, car rental companies and hotels. Members alsoreceive a number of publications, including The University ofMemphis Magazine, and use of the campus recreational facilities ata discounted rate.
"I think I will join the Alumni Association," said Ammar Sakkan,senior computer engineering major. "The discounts and benefits aregreat, but more importantly, I think it is very beneficial to keepties with the institution that gave you your degree."
Other students said the Alumni Association is just anotherexpense The U of M pressures students to take.
"What's the point to the Alumni Association?" asked ReneeVaught, senior nursing major. "So I can get discounts on more stuffI don't need in the first place? No way."
Andy Demstar, senior special education major, agreed.
"I'm a college student. I'm broke," he said. "This is not amystery, yet The University keeps pushing all these products Idon't need, like high-dollar diploma frames, sweaters, pens,T-shirts, you name it."
Other students take an indifferent stance, reasoning that theeconomy simply caters to the demands of the consumer.
"You have a choice not to buy it if you don't want to," saidSwaroop Chakravarthi, senior computer science major. "I'm sure somepeople appreciate it, and those who don't want to buy it are notbeing forced to."
Other students say these expenses are just part ofgraduating.
"It's very expensive and demanding to keep up," said LyndseyPell, senior finance major. "But it's just a part of graduatingthat I feel like I have to deal with."
