Nebraska Alumni Association cuts Scarlet and Cream
One month ago, the student singing group of the Nebraska Alumni Association, Scarlet and Cream, celebrated its 35th anniversary with brunch, networking and a concert that featured a rousing rendition of the group’s trademark song, “The Way We Were.”
For the 50 to 75 past and present Scarlet and Cream singers who participated, the concert was in some ways typical, director Jon Ranard remembered — high-quality singing, a variety of genres and bits of humor sprinkled in.
“It was something for everyone,” Ranard said.
The fourth-year director had no way then of predicting the news he received Wednesday: that his job was one of seven being eliminated at the Alumni Association, that Scarlet and Cream was being suspended indefinitely as a result of a $500,000 shortfall facing the association.
Ranard knew the budget was tight. He knew his group costs the association more per year — about $80,000 — than any other program outside alumni publications.
He figured maybe Scarlet and Cream’s travel schedule to meet and perform for NU alumni across the country would be reduced, or maybe the singers’ costume budget would be trimmed.
Not total elimination.
But Friday, hours after delivering the news to tearful student singers, Ranard said he knows the decision wasn’t personal and that he’s doing his best to look forward.
“I am not happy with the decision at all, but I respect those who had to make these decisions,” he said. “It’s hard for me. But the real world is: Things like this happen.”
Seventeen student singers and two student technicians participated in Scarlet and Cream this year, and the group had just held auditions for next year.
The group already had begun booking shows for next year, Ranard said, and is working swiftly to cancel those. It’s also mailing letters to Scarlet and Cream alumni, parents and future singers.
“I’m sure there will be many people in the world who will be sad” at the loss, Ranard said.
Students are among those. After learning of Scarlet and Cream’s suspension, singers went out to lunch Friday, several still in tears, said Corey Wallroff, a sophomore-to-be who called the group the best part of his freshman year.
With twice-weekly practices and frequent trips — the group makes 50 to 60 appearances each year at locales from retirement homes to schools to corporate functions — Scarlet and Cream singers quickly become close friends, Wallroff said.
“We’re like a big family. We’re always together,” he said. “We probably know more about each other than some of our families.”
A highlight for UNL senior Jake Ramsbottom was a “one-city-a-day” trip through Chicago, Indianapolis, New York City, Washington and more during a whirlwind of spring break performances.
Ramsbottom, normally not one for extended car trips, loved the adventure anyway — especially getting recognized by Nebraska alumni hundreds of miles from home.
“People hear ‘Scarlet and Cream’ and they think of UNL,” he said. “It makes you proud to be involved.”
Scarlet and Cream students say they’re not giving up on the idea the group can’t be soon revived. They plan to begin fundraising soon, Wallroff said, and are hoping donors may step forward to keep the group going.
The Alumni Association, too, hopes Scarlet and Cream faithful will show support.
“We’re viewing it as a temporary suspension,” said association interim director Jim O’Hanlon. “We’re hoping to find either a sponsor or a donor.”
In the meantime, though, the Alumni Association must continue to tighten its belt.
“There are some things you can’t cut, like the light bill and the heat bill,” O’Hanlon said. “So that’s where we are.”
Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.
For the 50 to 75 past and present Scarlet and Cream singers who participated, the concert was in some ways typical, director Jon Ranard remembered — high-quality singing, a variety of genres and bits of humor sprinkled in.
“It was something for everyone,” Ranard said.
The fourth-year director had no way then of predicting the news he received Wednesday: that his job was one of seven being eliminated at the Alumni Association, that Scarlet and Cream was being suspended indefinitely as a result of a $500,000 shortfall facing the association.
Ranard knew the budget was tight. He knew his group costs the association more per year — about $80,000 — than any other program outside alumni publications.
He figured maybe Scarlet and Cream’s travel schedule to meet and perform for NU alumni across the country would be reduced, or maybe the singers’ costume budget would be trimmed.
Not total elimination.
But Friday, hours after delivering the news to tearful student singers, Ranard said he knows the decision wasn’t personal and that he’s doing his best to look forward.
“I am not happy with the decision at all, but I respect those who had to make these decisions,” he said. “It’s hard for me. But the real world is: Things like this happen.”
Seventeen student singers and two student technicians participated in Scarlet and Cream this year, and the group had just held auditions for next year.
The group already had begun booking shows for next year, Ranard said, and is working swiftly to cancel those. It’s also mailing letters to Scarlet and Cream alumni, parents and future singers.
“I’m sure there will be many people in the world who will be sad” at the loss, Ranard said.
Students are among those. After learning of Scarlet and Cream’s suspension, singers went out to lunch Friday, several still in tears, said Corey Wallroff, a sophomore-to-be who called the group the best part of his freshman year.
With twice-weekly practices and frequent trips — the group makes 50 to 60 appearances each year at locales from retirement homes to schools to corporate functions — Scarlet and Cream singers quickly become close friends, Wallroff said.
“We’re like a big family. We’re always together,” he said. “We probably know more about each other than some of our families.”
A highlight for UNL senior Jake Ramsbottom was a “one-city-a-day” trip through Chicago, Indianapolis, New York City, Washington and more during a whirlwind of spring break performances.
Ramsbottom, normally not one for extended car trips, loved the adventure anyway — especially getting recognized by Nebraska alumni hundreds of miles from home.
“People hear ‘Scarlet and Cream’ and they think of UNL,” he said. “It makes you proud to be involved.”
Scarlet and Cream students say they’re not giving up on the idea the group can’t be soon revived. They plan to begin fundraising soon, Wallroff said, and are hoping donors may step forward to keep the group going.
The Alumni Association, too, hopes Scarlet and Cream faithful will show support.
“We’re viewing it as a temporary suspension,” said association interim director Jim O’Hanlon. “We’re hoping to find either a sponsor or a donor.”
In the meantime, though, the Alumni Association must continue to tighten its belt.
“There are some things you can’t cut, like the light bill and the heat bill,” O’Hanlon said. “So that’s where we are.”
Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.
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