Foundation criticized over spending, hiring ASU president's wife

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=8065120

Associated Press - March 25, 2008 9:54 AM ET

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - The main fundraising arm for Arizona State University is coming under criticism over its rising overhead spending and for employing the wife of ASU President Michael Crow.

The criticism comes from an activist coalition of union and community members, which has been at odds with ASU over labor issues.

The group claims the nonprofit ASU Foundation has overspent and lost sight of its mission.

Foundation and university officials call the findings inaccurate and misleading, and contend the group is pushing a political agenda.

The foundation also defends the hiring of Crow's wife as a senior adviser, saying it believes the service she provides is a huge return on the foundation's investment.

Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com