Dear Fellow Antiochian,

On June 12, 2007, the Antioch University Board of Trustees announced the closing of Antioch College on July 8, 2008 due to financial exigency, with an expectation to reopen in 2012 as the “new 21st century model.”

Ten days later, more than 500 Antioch College alumni, spanning more than 70 class years, challenged that decision. They resolved at Annual Reunion that Antioch College is worth fighting for, affirmed their commitment to the uninterrupted continuation of the College as an institution of higher education with a tenured faculty, and raised more than $500,000 in support of that goal.

At the opening session of Reunion in Kelly Hall, alumni heard from members of the Board of Trustees about their decision and from College President Steve Lawry, who called for a change in governance that would provide separate boards for the College and each Antioch campus.

For the next 48 hours, alumni engaged in an active, urgent, organized process, led by members of the Alumni Association and facilitated by former Community Managers. Alumni:

Raised more than $200,000 for the College Revival Fund in 50 minutes, with the total swelling to $400,000 by the end of Reunion, and more than $525,000 today.

Instructed the elected Alumni Association Board of Directors to negotiate with the Antioch University Board of Trustees and the President of Antioch College for establishment of a Board of Trustees for Antioch College, and for the protection of assets of Antioch College for use by Antioch College. All funds will be under the exclusive control and management of the Alumni Association.

Mandated campaigns to raise funds from individuals, private foundations and corporations.

The College Revival Fund will be distributed for the benefit of Antioch College under the direction of the Antioch College Alumni Association Board of Directors.

More than 20 community Chapters have been activated in the past 14 days. To find one in your community, go to antiochians.org/chapters and to organize a chapter, contact Risa Grimes rgrimes@antioch-college.edu or Aimee Maruyama in the Alumni Office: amaruyama@antioch-college.edu. Address and phone number for the Alumni Relations Office, Antioch College, 795 Livermore Street, Yellow Springs, OH 45387 1-800-411-6780. The Village of Yellow Springs held a parade in support of the College, and will host an emergency meeting this week.

I urge you to go to the website and access the listservs right away for up-to-the-minute information, articles about this incredible groundswell of support, opportunities to become involved, and to make a generous donation. Together, we will not only save the College from closure, but also produce a successful and financially sustainable Antioch experience for years to come.

Be ashamed to let it die!

Nancy Crow, President Antioch College Alumni Association

Last Modified : July 11th, 2007 Filed under : CG, Faculty, announcements, news Navigate : Previous post / Next post