BY RACHEL IDA BUFF

When the chancellor donates his $50,000 raise to the University Food Pantry,

They put out a spread.

It’s delicious. Everyone gathers to eat it.

The shelves are full. Since there is no more food insecurity among students,

They are free to focus on learning.

 

When the chancellor donates his $50,000 raise to Norris Health Center,

People from all over Milwaukee are Inspired by this display of generosity. They donate

their services. There is acupuncture, massage, talk therapy and tarot reading; it’s all free.

There are Black and brown, queer and Indigenous, white and Asian American care

providers. Everyone feels better.

 

When the chancellor donates his $50,000 raise to scholarships,

the Wisconsin Board of Regents is ashamed.  They drop tuition rates so low

That a working single mother of three can afford to take a class. (There is free childcare

for students.) She gets her degree, makes it big,

donates extravagantly.  Going to college becomes an option for everyone in town.

 

When the chancellor donates his $50,000 raise to the university,

The money magically multiplies. Suddenly, everyone who makes less,

makes more.

 

When the chancellor donates his $50,000 raise to the university,

the example of his generosity reminds

faculty and staff across campus that the university is made out of

only love and labor, and that it belongs to everyone, including us.

We dance in our offices and continue the work.

 

Another University is Possible: it has been there all along.

It hovers in the wings of this cruel austerity:

requiring only courage, only love to take flight.