The following letter was sent to the UI Board of Trustees Chair Lawrence C. Eppley yesterday, in response to UI’s News Release regarding Chief Illiniwek:

Dear Chairman Eppley, et. al,

How absolutely deplorable that the historic, grand and proud tradition of Chief Illiniwek is being replaced by other traditional American institutions; money-grubbing and the almighty dollar. How dare this administration of the University of Illinois cave in to the NCAA Executive Committee’s “policy.” While you’re at it, I suggest you also recall or rescind “Hail to the Orange,” “Oskee-Wow-Wow” and “Illinois Loyalty.” This action today demonstrates an utter lack of your “loyalty” to a once-proud and glorious institution.

Accordingly, and following your lead, rest assured that my financial support for the U of I ends today. I will not be renewing my season tickets at Memorial Stadium and am also returning my Alumni card for a full refund. Good-bye, ILL-INI.

George Klippel

Bolingbrook, IL

P.S. To the UI Family, How do you feel, now that Mr. Eppley has gone on record on The Chief? A majority of you voted “for” The Chief a couple of years ago, and today’s Daily Illini Poll is running 57 percent “Strongly Opposed” to Eppley’s pronouncement. Welcome to big business; Goodbye loyalty and traditions.