donors that are wined and dined at your games by the president and staff. Do you honestly think that all grants are awarded through an email? Personal relationships go a long way in establishing report and the presidents box is absolutely used for relationship building, whether the person gives a darn about football or not. The future ties to alumni, and yes, their donations, do not solely come from the academic heads. Every single major donor is invited to functions, including football games. Doesn't mean they will attend, but I assure you, as those relationships are built, they certainly are invited. VT has a brand outside of Virginia, and athletics is a huge part of that. I am making this argument in the context of an earlier post wondering why G5 schools even try. Don't be so short sighted. How do you think donors are courted? They are courted with every tool available. How many out of state students does VT get? How do you think they heard of VT? I have no doubt that VT has departments ranked very well, but your area has a LOT of academic schools. There is no doubt that your football program extends the brand throughout the Eastern seaboard - no doubt. Being in the ACC helps, and you know it. Would you be in the ACC without athletics? Who do you think approves the grant dollars? Are you saying that none of them pay attention to football, or just know VT exists because? You guys can ride me all you want, but FBS football put VT on the map - otherwise you would be just another State school.