Meeting with Yellow Springs players

Some 30 Antiochians met last Sunday, April 20 at the Oak Park Library with two key players in the ongoing struggle for the future of Antioch College: Lee Morgan ‘69, board member of the Antioch College Continuation Corporation, and Ellen Borgerson ‘72, president of the College Revival Fund.  Lee and Ellen represent two major fronts in efforts to save the college.  Lee gave a first-hand account of the ACCC’s first-ever face-to-face negotiations with the Antioch University Board of Trustees (which continued this week).  Lee felt the majority of the trustees wanted a solution that would keep the college open, but that the trustees remained wary of the the ACCC’s offer of $10 million for a controlling share of board seats.  The trustees have promised an announcement on the outcome of the negotiations by this Saturday, April 26, which is also the day of the college’s commencement.

Regardless of the negotiations’ results, Ellen reported that the College Revival Fund is moving forward with Non-Stop Antioch, building an academic program that will offer classes in alternative venues in Yellow Springs if the college campus is not available. Faculty had filled 11 of 27 planned positions as of last weekend, and a handful of students had signed on, with most waiting for a more concrete curriculum before committing.  Alumni and friends of the college are also encouraged to enroll.  The CRF has three legal avenues to regain control of the college, and $1 million dedicated to Non-Stop Antioch so far.

May Fundraising Drive

During the May 1-5 period, the CRF is launching a fundraising drive for Non-Stop Antioch, aiming to exceed the $5 million that was raised during last August’s funding drive.  Money raised will be dedicated to supporting the academic program and to cover the costs of litigation against the University.  Donors can also make tax deductible donations to the Faculty Legal Fund through the CRF.  If the negotiations between the ACCC and the trustees are successful, all money raised by the CRF will support the continuous operations of the college.

The Chicago Alumni Chapter is holding a phonathon May 1-5 to support the CRF.  We need to reach out to as many of the 600 known Chicago-area alumni as we can, and enlist their support during this crucial turning point for Antioch College.  It’s time for Chicago, a major alumni center, to take responsibility for our share of Antioch College’s wellbeing.

If you can volunteer to participate in the phonathon, please email me, Ed M. Koziarski ‘97, at this address.  Tell me how many calls you can commit to, and what range of class years you’d like to focus on.  Thanks for your help!

For more information see www.antiochians.org

Last Modified : April 24th, 2008 Filed under : Chicago Navigate : Previous post / Next post