The Hokie Club is still dangling the ticket carrot out there...that's what's hurting them here for the reasons you mention. The message is wrong. They aren't hitting anybody on an emotional level (think if they could expand on the "This is Home" message). What do you get when you contribute to the academic side? Do you get great seats to watch a math test? No. You contribute because you love VT and want to see it grow and improve and for students there and yet to come to have an even better experience than you did. Why can't the same be for athletic contributions? Did you enjoy going to games as a student...do you enjoy Hokie teams winning and wearing your school colors with pride? That's why you should donate. Not primarily for good seats and parking for live events.