Wulforst deserves praise

In the last two days, stories about Director of Dining Services Jim Wulforst have unfairly tarnished his reputation. In the October issue of Towerview, the blurb accompanying Wulforst's photo suggests he has left unfulfilled "nearly a decade of promises." Although all (notably Wulforst) acknowledge that there are improvements to be made, to suggest that the history of dining in the last ten years is composed of empty promises is patently false.

Ten years ago, dining on West Campus consisted of a cafeteria known as "The Pits," a restaurant known as "The Rat" and the lowest-grossing Burger King in the nation. Today, there are more than\ 20 unique dining options on West. Almost all of this progress can be traced to Wulforst. Even more frustrating, Friday's Chronicle contained a front-page article strongly implying that the Oktoberfest beer snafu was Wulforst's fault. In fact, it was the Union that ran afoul of North Carolina law (and ALE) by advertising alcohol distribution, and it was the Union that failed to give Dining Services enough time to obtain a vendor.

Despite these mistakes on the part of the Union, Wulforst still worked to provide free beer to students at Friday's festivities. The man deserves a hug, not a lambasting. Duke Student Government gives the Dean Sue Wasiolek Award to the administrator who is most responsive to undergraduate concerns. Jim Wulforst won the award in 1997, 2000, 2005 and 2006. He has consistently been one of the most accountable and dedicated administrators at this university. For Towerview and The Chronicle to imply otherwise does a disservice to him and to Duke.

Kevin Troy

Trinity '09

PR Director, Duke Student Government