Let me first admit that I was a bit disappointed that the Gray Fund calendar for this semester had no hiking trips to the Gorge. I love wildflower hikes, and the Gorge is one of the most beautiful areas around Portland in the springtime.
Yet what I have found more disappointing about Gray Fund is the way that Reed students treat these incredibly valuable chances to get off campus. Most students have heard the story about how Gray Fund began, some even before they are even admitted. During my time at Reed, I have seen that these trips provide invaluable (and cost free!) opportunities for Reedies to venture off campus. The openness, freedom, and student-run nature of Gray Fund show that Betty Gray trusted Reed students to use this gift honorably—and, bullshit aside, I trust that you know what she means. If you’re still not sure, I offer a few examples below of what I have in mind as dishonorable.
Students’ behavior toward Reed trips has actually changed the shape of the Gray Fund calendar recently. Anyone that has repeatedly taken advantage of these trips knows that fully-booked trips sometimes only achieve 25% day-of attendance. What a shame! I only wish that these students could show some commitment to either show up or give away their spot. Regardless, this trend has led Gray Fund to plan fewer but longer trips that invite more student investment and commitment. While nine-day trips to warm climates are well-attended and fantastic trips, I would hate to see the private surfing lessons and Smith tea-blending trips disappear because of no-show students.
As a campus, we must demonstrate our respect for Gray Fund if we wish to see it enjoyed by future Reed students. Non-attendance may seem like a small issue of honor on a large scale, but other interactions with Gray Fund have been more blatantly dishonorable. On a cultural trip to the Portland Art Museum this past weekend, only two of the fifteen confirmed students showed up. Using the brunch money of the no-shows at the Westin Hotel Grill, one junior felt entitled to order both a brunch plate and a salmon lunch entreé to-go. Instead of using the money for a subsequent trip, the trip leader allowed this ludicrous waste of Gray Fund resources. I sincerely hope that this example is a rare miscalculation by both students.
Rather than appreciation of the substantial gift Reed has been given, I see students displaying questionably-honorable behavior in relation to Gray Fund events. Gray Fund has provided me with the most valuable experience I have had at Reed and I hope it will be respected enough to endure and provide the same for others.