Wright State University lost nearly $1.7M on its failed attempt to host the last September’s presidential debate, according to a new financial analysis by the university.
Wright State Communications Director Seth Bauguess says the event’s final cost did not come as a surprise to university officials.
About $5 million total were spent on preparations for the debate. Much of that funding went toward upgrading the Nutter Center. Bauguess said those improvements were slated to be made in the future anyway.
The university announced its intention to pull out of the debate last July, citing rising costs and security concerns. Instead, the debate was held at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.
Wright State has been dealing with a budget crisis that has resulted in layoffs and program cuts over the past year. Some students and staff members protested those decisions last September.
The university’s budget will discussed at the next board of trustees meeting on February 17.
