EDITORIAL

The phrase “champagne problems” hinges on the symbolism of the bubbly drink known as champagne. The twice fermented drink has long been associated with abundance, elitism, and festivity. Originating in the Champagne region of France, the drink became a representation of affluent indulgence. Champagne quickly became culturally associated with economic success, leisure, and excess. When champagne is coupled with the word “problems,” the phrase implies that the problems are being faced by the fortunate. Akin to the phrase “first-world problems,” the phrase “champagne problems” came to describe problems that arise only in privileged contexts.

Examples of champagne problems include having to wait on a limousine that has been delayed, having to purchase new sails for your sailboat, or having to choose between two beautiful vacation homes. For the first time in her distinguished 156-year history, Weatherford College is truly experiencing champagne problems.

As the fastest-growing college in North Texas, Weatherford College faces many problems that other institutions would love to have. With a student population that has grown 32.5 percent over the last two years, simple things like parking spots, seating in the cafeteria, classroom space, and adequate numbers of faculty and staff become very real problems. A new 108,657 square foot, five-story student union is now under construction. One new permanent concrete parking lot and two temporary overflow parking lots have been completed, and six more parking lots are in the planning phases.

At the same time that the unprecedented, exponential growth is occurring, several of our original facilities that were built in the 1960s have exceeded their natural lifespan and need to be replaced. Our beautiful new Vickie and Jerry Durrant Hall was full the day that it opened, and there is an immediate need for additional residence halls.

While these champagne problems are problems that presidents all over the country envy, they remain problems nonetheless. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Weatherford College students now enjoy more educational opportunities than ever before. We are changing more lives than ever before. We are providing our thriving business community with a larger, more highly qualified workforce than ever before.

There will always be problems in any organization. For now, the stakeholders of Weatherford College can share in the sweetness of our champagne problems.