$100 MILLION ON THE LINE
MARCH 6, 2018
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO SINCE 1892
VOL. 129, ISSUE 34
Donors Sue Over Fate of One of the Largest-Ever Gifts to the University BY EUIRIM CHOI MANAGING EDITOR
In the fall of 2015, University of Chicago president Robert Zimmer made a surprise announcement to a packed audience at a formal event in Mandel Hall. Flanked by sleek graphics and illuminated by camera flashes, Zimmer said that the University had received a $100 million gift—then the second-largest donation in its history. The widely-covered donation was made by Thomas L. and Timothy R. Pearson on behalf of their family. The brothers, neither of whom had ties to the University, donated the money to establish the first research institute of its kind at the Harris School of Public Policy. The Pearson Institute, as it was called, would aspire to recruit world-class scholars who would produce groundbreaking research used to design and implement policies that would reduce conflict Continued on page 3
A Challenger Emerges in the Fifth Ward BY EMMA DYER & ALIA SHAHZAD NEWS REPORTERS
Remembering Dean Jonathan Z. Smith. On page 6.
Maroon Staff
The Pearson family in attendance at the 2015 announcement of the Institute.
Gabriel Piemonte, progressive community organizer and editor emeritus of the Hyde Park Herald, announced his candidacy for Alderman of the Fifth Ward this morning on the corner of 71st Street and Merrill Avenue. P iemonte made the announcement in front of an abandoned storefront, using the scene as an example of the economic struggles that have taken place in the fifth ward. “We’re here today on 71st Street not only because my campaign headquar-
ters are going to be just a few doors down, but also because we believe that this is emblematic of the consequences of exclusive leadership,” Piemonte said. Piemonte was surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues supporting his campaign, and his announcement drew attention from local passersby. One woman got out of her car after being informed of the occasion. Walking up to Piemonte, she affirmed he had her vote. She told Piemonte that, as a long time Fifth Ward resident, she knew every store owner and business on 71st and had watched it become riddled with vacancies unContinued on page 4
Underground Collective Present Midnight Oil Page 9 Performers explored “what keeps you up at night” through a set of spoken word, dance, and theatrical acts from the newly-recognized RSO.
A Dream Deferred Page 2 University students put at risk by the retraction of the DACA program are advocating for a solution. See video online.
IOP Hosts Gov. Candidate Ives
Alexandra Nisenoff
WTTW correspondent Paris Schutz speaks to Jeanne Ives.
BY LUCIA GENG NEWS REPORTER
Illinois State Representative and gubernatorial candidate Jeanne Ives (R-42) outlined her policies and sharply criticized her op-
Women’s Basketball’s Winning Streak Ends Page 12
The team lost to University of Saint Thomas in the second round of the NCAA finals.
ponent in the Republican primary, incumbent Governor Bruce Rauner, in a talk on campus on Monday afternoon. The event, hosted by the Institute of Politics, was moderated by Continued on page 4
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