Umm, Dr. Tom? A Minute, Please?

Hi. You don't know me, but, like many Nebraskans, I've known who you are for as long as I can remember. My mom actually took one of your Ed Psych classes back in the '60s, when you were a PhD candidate who just happened to do a little coaching on the side. She says you were a good teacher then, and you've certainly become someone we respect and admire.

I understand there's a bit of a protest going on at the moment. Seems one of the big beer companies is rolling out a special promotional version in various 'school colors' this fall, and you're not a big fan of the promotion. They don't use anyone's logo, but they've reproduced the colors pretty closely, and anyone who can put 2 and 2 together is gonna figure it out, especially in Nebraska, where the only thing that ISN'T red is that portion of the farming community that swears by John Deere.

Here's the thing. I understand what you're trying to say. The university doesn't want to promote under-age drinking, or consumption of alcohol at Memorial Stadium. Neither do I. But the next time the university gets righteous about a beer company selling beer in special cans to commemorate the upcoming football season, pointing out that it's being done without university approval, you might want to check out your own 'official university store' to see what it is that YOU are selling that DOES have the University of Nebraska logo on it and DOES have university approval.

You see, I've got about eight different versions of the pint glass pictured above, all purchased at official University of Nebraska stores in Lincoln, and I can guarantee you that I can't remember the last time I put anything but good beer inside of them. And I'd venture a guess that quite a few of the pint glasses you're selling are being used in exactly the same way.

Just looking out for you, Dr. Tom. Give my best to Nancy.

Grace & peace,

Scott