<p>Given what a lot of folks say about Barnard's long-term sustainability, this is interesting:</p>
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[quote]
Brown [Barnard VP] said that Barnard prioritizes faculty and students, but that if the college had a larger endowment, administrators would be able to consider other campus enhancements such as maintenance, libraries, and faculty salaries.
[/quote]
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<p>Why the heck are they spending 6-7% of their endowment every year? I wonder what kind of return they're making.</p>
<p>Kinda reminds me, my wife's friend Linda is poor, too. Got married early, didn't work.</p>
<p>Fortunately for Linda, she was married to a rich guy & always used his stuff, So she never had to provide all her own. Not like she was leaching, that was the deal going in. He divorced her some time ago, cheated on her & remarried, but at least the separation agreement seems to have worked out pretty well for Linda & her kids. I don't think his new wife cares for the arrangement much, but personally I think she should just be satisfied that he ditched Linda for her.</p>
<p>She lives in a really great area, lots for her kids to do all by themselves, so she really doesn't have to provide them with everything that someone else in a more isolated community might need to.</p>
<p>I suppose if the right situation comes along she could re-marry; maybe more security in a coed household. But she's doing ok by herself for now.</p>
<p>Just thought I'd share.</p>
<p>Was that an extended metaphor?</p>
<p>Good work, monydad, that's the most abstract and "literary" post I've read on this message board. That would actually make a good Barnard essay.</p>
<p>I think it gets the point across. </p>
<p>I just thought I would note that on average, colleges usually spent 5% of their endowment on operating expenses, and in recent years that average rate of return on the endowment is around 9%. So 6-7% spending is a little higher than normal, but still safely within the amount of overall return (i.e., not losing money).</p>
<p>Shouldn't this be on the BC board?</p>