UConn should not stop working with GE just because of this move.
Who suggested UConn should
stop working with GE? Certainly not stated nor implied by me, but likely an apparent misinterpretation.
To emphasize, the point remains GE will be heavily targeted by Boston, Cambridge, and other area universities, e.g. UMass Lowell, potentially may look to further ingratiate itself with local schools, recent and historical political influences within CT may gradually fade away and shift to the Bay State and Beacon Hill, etc.
Consequently, GE's strong historic funding in Storrs and Stamford could potentially decline. Immediately? Unlikely, but UConn cannot count on receiving equivalent GE corporate funding, GE foundation , and potentially even employee donations over time. To maintain existing support or minimize possible run off, aggressive actions are appropriate.
Separately, GE's sale of GE Capital's Vendor Finance platforms, Commercial Distribution Finance, some of its Corporate Finance business to Wells Fargo may similarly impact GE Capital/Wells Fargocorporate, foundation, and other donations and support of UConn. Immediately, unlikely. Potentially, Wells Fargo may keep these units in CT, possibly create opportunities for UConn, or potentially integrate operational, back-office parts of these functions with existing business units in lower cost locations, e.g., Charlotte.
Bottom line: All bets are off on the last couple decades solid GE and GE Capital support for UCONN - Storrs and Stamford. Hoping, praying, or dreaming no impact is possible is naive at best. Ongoing, and enhanced, relationship building with GE and especially with Wells as its' leadership increasingly runs GE Capital is appropriate to minimally limit potential funding and donation run off. Again, never was there a suggestion UConn should stop working with GE nor with GE Capital/Wells. Quite the contrary!