New recreation center fees add financial constraints

In recent conversations with fellow gym enthusiasts about our excitement surrounding the Sept. 25 opening of the Barbara and David Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center, the topic of the proposed membership fees inevitably arises. I almost always receive two reactions from students, the first being, "Huh? What fees?" and the second usually being a mixture of outrage and despair. I find these reactions to be somewhat ironic given that Rice just received Princeton Review's No. 1 ranking for "best quality of life." Although this membership fee will affect all members of the Rice community, I feel it is one that is not resonating well with students, returning students especially.