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07 AM Sessions - Edited & Organized

By Horace | August 27, 2007

Recordings from the morning of August 25, 2007 at the Antioch University Board of Trustees meeting with ‘Stakeholders’ at the Holiday Inn Cincinnati Airport

Saturday AM Session - Cleaned, Edited & Organized

The following courtesy of Alan Benard ‘92 who cleaned up and edited the entire morning session by speaker. Please drop him a note of thanks for doing all this (and he’s busy working on the Saturday afternoon ones now too).

Pardon any spelling errors, please reply with corrections and I’ll fix them.

Also Ed M Koziarksi posted a great summary of this meeting and I’m posting that below     Subject:     [SaveAntioch] Notes from Saturday open Trustee Meeting
From:     edk@homesickblues.com
Date:     August 27, 2007 5:57:31 PM EDT
To:     saveantioch@lists.antiochians.org

We know the outcome of the weekend’s Board of Trustees meetings, and they
have been podcast, but to supplement that information I’m providing fairly
comprehensive notes paraphrasing the entire meeting. I’ll send notes on the
stakeholder meeting in a separate email. In the interest of expediency
notes have only been lightly proofread but the sense of comments should be
clear and hopefully useful.
–

–Ed M. Koziarski ‘97

Antioch Board of Trustees Open Meeting 082507

Art Zucker, Chairman, Antioch University Board of Trustees: Welcome to all
to this special board meeting. Today’s meeting is the first step in the
process to develop a plan for the future of Antioch College. The decision
that the Board made in June was in the best interest of the university with
the goal of creating long-term success of the college. Given current
financial state facts in place board had no choice but to take course of
action. We welcome the presentation of all viable and sustainable business
plans for the college. We are ready to listen and act on those proposals
that demonstrate viability. The challenges of suspension of operation, or
alternatives to suspension will be challenging. The process we’ve followed
hasn’t been flawless. The Board wants to hear from the Antioch community.
The thoughts and ideas you share will impact the Board’s continuing
conversations this afternoon and into the future.

Jerry Israel, PR Consultant for University: This is the first step in a
multilayered process taking place this weekend for what follows. This is
wide open for speakers – the Board is to be in listening mode. This meeting
is being podcast and can be accessed through the college’s website. The
Board will decide tomorrow and going down road how to respond in timely
fashion as much as possible, though not to every question.

This afternoon the alumni board, which is in active conversation with all
other stakeholder groups, will make a presentation to the Board of Trustees.
Now we’ll hear a five-minute summary of afternoon presentations.

Katherine Jordan, Alumni Board: I’m here to present the Alumni Association
Board of Directors’ proposal to sustain and rebuild Antioch college. I want
to thank the Board of Trustees for bringing this crisis to light on June 12.
You provide the catalytic spark or we would not be here today. The danger
is that Antioch College will die and opportunity to reclaim place in higher
education. Your decision has awakened a sleeping giant among alums, labor,
and peace groups. Reunion attracted 600 alums that were galvanized by crisis
to take action, joining students, faculty and staff in the spontaneous
generation of committees and task forces to raise funds and organize this
effort. The value of the Antioch education was unleashed. 62 days ago we
raised $400,000. Today we come representing thousands of alumni, 35 new
alumni chapters, scores of committees, a kickass web site Antiochians.org,
and our fundraising effort has now generated 8 million dollars to keep ac
open as independent liberal arts college with tenured faculty. disabuse of
notion that alumni stuck in purple haze of nostalgia. years of neglect and
poor mgmt left in disrepair, faculty staff underpaid, too few students,
happy to report 74 entering freshmen arrived this weekend. out of this
crisis we see opportunity. come with plan unanimously endorsed by faculty
and union, many members of Yellow Springs. We ask you join us as creative
partner. We’re ready to do heavy lifting.

Jill Becker head dance dept.: I appreciate you giving us opportunity to
speak to what we all care about. I want to talk about current returning
students. When greeted bubbly excited committed group energy fantastic
everybody wants to be there I’m concerned with what we deliver this year.
Faculty is committed as ever probably more so for all energy around this
change. I’m concerned about basic services. Concerned library being cut
closed evenings Sundays. For college student that’s not okay. Tech support
IT person is shifting to have a student in that role - if computers in
trouble have to wait for that student to get out of class. Physical plant
I’m in gym. Gym art building theater building no housekeeper bookstore mgr
in transit. open part time. security cut back. Already substandard. No
security guard on Saturdays. 1 administrative assistant for almost the
entire faculty. To increase funding this year to get us through fulfill our
ethical and legal obligations to students.

Dance program. Talk about toxic culture: dance is a collaborative field.
Students dance in each other’s dances and give each other feedback. The
concerts are attended by 300 people every year. Positive upbeat event well
appreciated. The positive things have gone below the radar screen. Positive
energy students give each other and whole community.

Carol Braun, Video Dept Staff: in November I’ll have been the technician for
film video photo at Antioch for 20 years. I’ve been a union member 20 years.
Received masters at McGregor school my daughter is an alum as of this month
had wonderful education here. We have more incoming students this year than
first year of renewal plan. I hope that the present and future board and
University and college admin besides just honoring minimal legal
requirements will work in partnership and harmony with all the working
people on the college campus and everyone employee of university in more
just and fair way.

Tony Dallas, Yellow Springs resident: I attended Antioch College briefly. My
father (Meredith Dallas) was on the faculty of theater dept. Dan Fallon,
you wrote in the Charlotte Observer that dwindling faculty were rewarded by
outstanding graduates, leaders in PhDs and months dimensions of the survey
of student engagement. I would suggest that even with dwindling enrollment
demanding student body has been rewarded by outstanding faculty. How do you
sell the college at same time you denigrate its faculty, since boards plan
does not include current tenured faculty? You Antiochians on the board know
that Antioch education is experiential. Those who live through it are the
only ones that can genuinely pass that experience on. Facilitators of that
tradition are its tenured faculty. Antioch experience is about practical
experience of democracy – the students discover themselves. Toni has
described democratic process as 60 spectator 10 percent activist that has no
relationship to Antioch reality. At alumni reunion you’d have seen real
democracy in action. Frank Shea in 76 saw severing college from satellite
campuses is only viable solution for college. Alumni don’t give because they
don’t want to see their money thrown away on satellite campuses. Village of
Yellow Springs reaching out to college in ways that it hasn’t for
generations. No one has seen this level of activation before. All of us in
this room are passionate about dream what we hope Antioch will become.
Visionaries are here waiting to be engaged. Alumni have raise d 8 million on
wager ready to go out and raise millions more. Time is right to build real
Antioch College. Seeds of future and real DNA are staff and tenured faculty.

Rory Adams-Cheatham, Community Government Events Manager and session
moderator: any response from trustees? (Trustees are silent)

Sam Eckindrode, downtown show owner and real estate agent Yellow Springs 83
alum and co-op faculty member of 3 years and faculty child: I’m here to
present an open letter signed by 40 members of the Yellow Springs business
civic community. many more signatures coming in this morning. complete text
will be sent to all addressees. as members of Yellow Springs civic community
we want to register grave concern about the impact closing college will have
on local economy. already experience professional ramifications of abrupt
announcement of closure. Those conceived this plan did not conceive impact
would cause on our community life as well broader reputation of university
system as a whole. we understand budgetary issues and fiscal responsibility.
we question the business sense of a public announcement of close college
with the hope, uncertainty of reopening in 4 years. can’t imagine such a
plan working in our own businesses and organizations. we are the face of
Yellow Springs. we are your de facto spokespeople. we represent resources on
which you’ll draw. understand that in closing college you put our business
and civic community at risk. now consider all the options to keep college
open even at reduced level of operations. This makes no business sense as
college moves toward true revival. would demonstrate understanding of how
your actions impact larger community. town, students past present future.
like us now fielding questions and concerns about the viability of all
things Antioch all over the world. take chance to send positive message to
world there is a clear viable plan and important 150 plus legacy in Yellow
Springs. Counter negative press experienced by all organizations bearing
Antioch name. show determination and foresight to move forward and repair
destabilization jeopardizing the unique and beloved community local economy
of which Antioch is such an integral part.

Amanda, current student: I support alumni assoc directors’ proposal.
Intimate personal testimony to convey depth of emotion that being an
Antiochian means to me. I came to Antioch with my soul nearly shattered.
Like many others came because it’s Antioch. I was a victim of religious
abuse. I was raped, beaten, molested and forced into homelessness. learned
to be small quiet unseen. in small Antioch classrooms with professors called
by first names, for first time in life I was heard. with the sexual offense
prevention policy, for the first time in my life felt safe. learned to be
conscious of my own sexuality. within democratic community had a voice.
within long history being written today legacy found and adopted roots.
Married and started family at Antioch. continues to offer people like me who
would have fallen through the cracks. offers once in a lifetime opportunity
to change our lives. we’re the reason you’re here today. hear us. we’re
here. we’re real. real people full of passion despite misconceptions about
our community. help us continue our history and legacy today by working with
the alumni proposal. do not replace use erase us do not kill the legacy we
wish to pass on to our children and children’s children. Because of Antioch
I am not a victim. like Antioch I am a survivor. I am here today because
it’s Antioch.

Rory: (to trustees) any response? (no response)

Norrine dean dresser: New York chapter of alumni. convey profound support
for alum assoc proposal. I am pragmatist. with 17,000 alumni and many others
Antioch changed lives. with the position I hold as a federal realty officer
I’m responsible for billions of dollars in assets. I gave money. I will
raise twice that much. I have a fundraiser coming up in October. In 2 months
we saw alumni raise 8 million. what are the dollar amounts we need to keep
the college open? Give me benchmarks. I asked (board vice-chair|) Dan Fallon
in my house what are the benchmarks. you have not tapped into resources
available in alumni. I want to be on an asset mgmt team. You need to get
this Toni. Antioch Yellow Springs is the historic and collective physical
memory of the university. you can’t talk about transformation of future. we
are historic memory. Williams, Harvard, Yale understand that. Main building
is the symbol for Antioch College, important in the university network. I’m
looking forward to working with the college board, working with the
university board. alumni proposal will work. people will bring immense
talents. consider alumni proposal. it’s a viable way to go forward.

Chris hill, teach communications 10 years at college: we’re all stakeholders
here. as tenured faculty member I have attended this meeting to assert goal
of negotiating in a truly open dialogue. my goal to keep college open and
running. essential for open dialogue is open negotiated not dictated by
trustees. need transparent open access to information to college and
university budgeting. Transparency is critical because this crisis was
produced by process that lacked information sharing and collective
visioning. undermining in last 2 and a half years the historic college
governance model. AdCil was ignored. Budget process was not brought to AdCil
not vetted not brought to college. Problems date back to university
consolidation in 2001. The secretive process of the renewal commission. in
last 5 years new college admin was not encouraged to benefit from
institutional memory of former admin staff faculty students. lack of
communication when considering future of college, a lack of communication
between the university admin and college, village. After June announcement
of college closing, many stakeholders came together information sharing
public debate all speakers welcome. extraordinary organizing and listening
ability all alums especially community managers. Talk about web sites
Antiochians.org and Antioch papers. Focused investments in transparency and
information sharing are testaments to an Antioch education. Builds skills
for educated and informed citizenry in matters of Antioch and beyond.
trustees: do you feel you received all the info you needed to make informed
decision. did you have enough time? did you weigh multiple options? Did you
consider the legacy and jobs and careers of 150 faculty and staff, also
Yellow Springs community and considerable assets of the college? Assets
inspired by and bequeathed to the college, nurtured by generations at the
college. Only open dialogue among all stakeholders, open access to all
information, can save Antioch, which we all want to be saved as a viable
institution.

Howard Cort ’56. former community manager. I have prepared statement about
Arthur Morgan then comments about future. I met Morgan in 52. took his
course on small community as the foundation of democracy. conducted in the
library of his home by he and son and secretary taught course. I’m now
staying overnight in same building. Morgan as Antioch’s president launched
the co-op program, which was pathbreaking for liberal arts college. he was
the first commissioner of the Tennessee valley authority. Eleanor Roosevelt
put a note about Morgan on Franklin’s bedside table. He was in Ohio working
on a terrific flood in Dayton. he was the world’s leading hydraulic
engineer. founded community service inc. Morgan emphasized qualities of
character needed by society in book “the long road” (trustees write down
book name). He would want you to examine all feasible even unlikely
alternative before making important policy decisions. Morgan carried out
that philosophy many times, saving government millions dollars preventing
many harmful mistakes accomplishing many projects. in one case he lost but
still demonstrated to many the value of taking that path. In the late 50s
the army core of engineers dam project to protect Pittsburgh but inundate
gravesite of Seneca Indians violate first treaty Washington ever signed.
Looked at alternative approaches and plans. Came up with plan to divert
water to lake Erie save millions rejected by corps of engineers had more
clout their plan won in congress accomplished important example became
honorary Seneca Indian. If he were alive today he’d counsel that a variety
of alternatives closely examined. He’d be proud of efforts in this country
and beyond in looking into alternatives to closing I wish he were hear to
join in quest for best solution and quality implementation. brainstorming
looking at alternatives that’s what we need to.

Amy Peterson union housekeeper UE 767 I got brave enough to come up here
hope can say with all my heart. My patents created my history at college saw
each other across tearoom. arranged blind date. in that marriage in 64 I
came into that picture. as child went with mother working out of home. I
grew up playing at the campus. Glen back yard family farm only separation
between glen and college. New McGregor building built on family property
Pittsticks related to Alexanders. I live on a 30-acre tract that will be
maintained as greenspace farm. As child played in theater beautiful
teagarden. Children could roam freely no worries unlike today good time. in
88 came back took job in dining services. mother followed my worked in
various depts. My mother grace Alexander working with McGregor School. I’m
proud to be labor worker one of the most progressive unions in U.S. we vote
who runs our union. Rank and file it’s our choice. were stuck in world with
not many choices. to calm our fears. I want to emphasize fact greatest
values parents left with me unconditional love good knowledge about college
did father knew Kettering Morgan Edison worked in theater building Morris
bean at time. when I came into college as worker. don’t talk often enough
about successful students. we have amazing successful students. No one came
to workers and said why are buildings this way we were not involved. we had
great knowledge o f what we needed what we had or didn’t have. take
knowledge form past keep college open keep wonderful town together learn
from mistakes. college and town are one always have been. Losing great
dynamic group of people in community jeopardizing future of our students.
They don’t come for facilities don’t know where they got that notion they
want the challenge I’ve heard that time and time again I hope you’ll think
about what I said think about working together for future look at proposals
facing you support dearly. I support effort I work for dynamic bunch of
people what can we do to work together to work this out let us have that
chance open your minds look at proposal our intentions are good we want to
work together without having to close everything down. Try to work together.

Michael Jones resident of Yellow Springs close to 40 years partner Karen
Shirley taught in Antioch art dept 30 years took early retirement in 98
because of large frustration over way things were going. Critique of last
30years. we’ve hard marvelous times with Antioch students. Diverse
connections with them to this day. people who graduated over entire
30yrperiod. Last 60 some days since your decision have been maddening for
us. After took courageous move to face the reality you saw in June. Rest of
us have had to revisit our histories with institution. for many people
Antioch has been love hate relationship. Silt had settled detached from
institution then it all got stirred up. This meant we had to ask fundamental
questions about what mattered. did it matter? it does. It really does. in a
way I have to congratulate you. Only by having taken this hard decision in
June hypothetical support everybody on board knew was out there but how
could it be engaged. Only by taking that step that everyone. Asked same
questions Karen and I asked. does it matter. You find that it does all
across country. alums have mobilized tremendous amount under huge cloud of
ambiguity has been secured under this cloud. More than remarkable. You have
this pool of people ready to engage who have deep pockets coming close to
say yes well support if we can have something real plan that’s credible.
others who are 1 or 2 steps removed from people who have deep pockets. All
these people prepared to assemble. To assist in whatever fashion they can
the faculty and the students not just keep college alive but reinvigorate
and bring it back to that status that you older alums recall wistfully
fondly that exercise in nostalgia is entirely a possibility.

Jay cassalli student: I’m 18 years old this is my second day at Antioch.
From moment stepped on campus for first time. first college I visit no other
choice. Maybe it’s been a while. tell you some of the things I love about
Antioch after being up partying all night. At Antioch vegan vegetarian and
meat food every meal every time. 1969 original graffiti I only dope worth
shooting is Richard Nixon on bathroom in my hall. Slept in hammock for first
time ever thank to Antioch this college a all know more than college means
so much to students and faculty everyone here knows that. If nobody’s
interested they just don’t know yet. If you give my class the chance to have
this school and keep going we’re going to do some cool stuff. That’s the
best argument I can come up with because I don’t know that much about
anything.

Eric miller ’81: what a fate to follow an inspired 18 year old. man. Most of
you know me as a faculty member. There’s only one constituency. There’s been
a categorization of people. Trustees alumni, faculty, town, and students.
There’s only one constituency and some opposition. My perception one
constituency that I belong to I hope you belong to keep college open healthy
and strong in 202 but also 2008 9 10 11 there are a few George will would be
happy to see an end to it. Happy to see loss of union rights and tenure.
They think that’s the way the world ought to work. I live in town my partner
went to Antioch we met at Antioch one of our daughters went to Antioch
partner runs business in town. We can’t pick which part of ourselves belongs
to Antioch. Every part of us belongs to Antioch. I’m functioning as faculty
and alum this summer. no daylight between faculty and proposal alum board
has brought we fully support we believe we can talk we don’t have to fight.
Some of the statements in the press by individual board embers about
listening and not want to hurt Antioch we take at face value. A few board
members I’ve talked to have no reason to doubt that’s where they would
stand. I do worry. One thing Katherine said board decision may have been
only option you could see as viable at the time. 74 days later if you cant
see other viable options you’re not looking. in your process. I hope this is
truly deliberative process not going thru motions. there are detractors. In
your deliberations think about who gains from Antioch being erased. If it
closes in September its gone don’t kid yourself. ask detractors what are
they doing, what could they do to support the proposal. It’s fine to think
critically and ask hard questions don’t ask only n one direction. could
detractors support if you go in that direction. that will tell you something
about detractors. I’m co-op professor. I get worked up about co-op.
facilities get brought up all the time. Sometimes university leadership
haven’t been connected with the college. They don’t get it. See campus
falling apart that’s only tip of iceberg it really happens out there. There
are co-op employers on Board of Trustees. you know what learning happens
when students are with you. That happens in best facilities and laboratories
in the world.

I’m class of 94 I had pleasure of attending during upswing in appearance
enrollment was up. Renovations to Spalt and south after i left saw ad heard
things concerned me why can’t Antioch hold onto president lack commitment or
incompetent. saw things getting worse. especially graffiti. Who holds admin
to task to assure college succeeded? Or is all you do close without recourse
I’d like to ask Lawry would resign. Presume ford foundation would help.
Suggestions make handicap accessible give better art facility. Where to from
here closed campus. Board has no inclination I can only beg you to do the
right thing to fight to bring back from ledge on which it rests. I hate
begging should do on their own. Want to motivate you. You’re not motivated
by accountability. Alert students on other campuses show how you let
historic campus die. Let prospective students know take alum right letters
cut into enrollment on other campuses. Assure that Antioch University gets
taste of misery we’re experiencing as you gleefully close our school. well
share misery together. Should be campus clean safe free of graffiti
encourage expression if you really care carry on this fight don’t let
college die let University bear burden of responsibility.

Judith hempfling. hospice nurse. Daughter 04 grad. Member of village
council. not speaking for village council. you’ve received this booklet of
articles and letters. decision to close has had a lot of interest. people
have had a lot of concern. I like what Lawry has said about community and
college had good understanding of relationship - college and village are of
one fabric. Legacy of Antioch legacy of whole community Horace Mann Arthur
Morgan king center wonderful alumna. echo notion in crisis also opportunity.
There is a great opportunity here if your open to all best options for
Antioch College. Cling to decision made in June before you knew as much as
you know now doesn’t make any sense. Framing cling to decision as courageous
act to close college in face of all the new information you’ve gotten in
last couple months very wrong headed. I liked man spoke about Arthur Morgan
flexible open minded thinking as one considers important decision making as
village council member look at recommendations made to us. you should think
critically about recommendations made to you. It’s your responsibility that
decision. You’ve been given a recommendation you need to think critically
it’s your responsibility. For Antioch College it can be very small or very
large and open depending on how you look at it. All this love and concern
and commitment to this institution. Be open to that. if you say we don’t
want that help we already know what’s best you won’t make the best decision.
democratically elected village council. Best decision made when you have
collective wisdom of citizenry. Gauge collective wisdom. that’s a relevant
model for all decision-making. foundation of democracy. alumni proposal has
strong support in village of yellow springs. be open to keep college open
keep faculty tenure staff our neighbors and friends. do what’s best for
Antioch College Yellow Springs community and larger world.

Patti Dallas grew up in Yellow Springs. dad in drama dept. I returned to
Yellow Springs in 96. I’m gonna get emotional. I saw my parents’ generation
starting to fade. important to gather some of their stories before they were
gone. had such influence on village. Interviewed Ernest Morgan. Arthur came
to Yellow Springs in Dayton because of flood. Yellow Springs just a poor cow
town. Antioch down to 15 students. the Unitarians had an opportunity to put
morgan on the board to keep from slipping into being religious college. they
didn’t tell him. Arthur and Lucy came to Yellow Springs to check out. liked
campus Mann philosophy said this place is dad enough we can do what we want
here. were at this crossroads. I’m in Yellow Springs in 96 seeing steadily
decline. this decision to close campus has ignited flame in village
throughout world. I’m literally a product of Antioch even though didn’t
attend marriage between Antioch and village very strong. such a power here
of heart and mind. create something incredible. a shame to let this moment
go. option is always there to close the campus. I’d encourage you to not
blow this opportunity because it’s really powerful. this is open forum I
have yet to see somebody come up and say good work lets close the campus.
take advantage of this incredible spark.

Dimi rieber taught dance at Antioch 31 years retired in 01. I’ve involved
self in development in town through the smart growth task force green space
building relationship between Antioch and Yellow Springs. Opportunity board
has to move in more positive direction. invoke a little history be patient
with me. Board didn’t get full picture of how town felt about McGregor’s
move to edge of town. Board heard from small group of businessmen couple
members town council and McGregor pres Barbara danley haggerty believed
McGregor’s problems would go away with new building convinced unanimity in
Yellow Springs. Money invested in McGregor’s new building is piece of
college financial crisis. many in town concerned about sprawl. Concerned
building green wastefulness of abandoning existing structures like Kmart
Wal-Mart. concern in town building sustainably keeping walkable reducing
fossil fuel. Spurred actions by developers to acquire land across street.
valid collected 1000 signatures opposing annexation. continuing concern
about development around Yellow Springs. smart growth doesn’t trade off
green space for economic development but protect green space as part of
healthy economy. More to build McGregor’s new palace did not make whole town
rejoice. many concerned felt stymied by president. move for 2012 don’t talk
about sustainability. Need distinctive ecological vision. seems again
economy without ecology. Antioch has opportunity to contribute not just
economically by intellectually ethical. model responsibility retool existing
resources move away from big oil heart doesn’t lie in new buildings. not
distance learning residential college with all richness and challenge of
that structure. town needs Antioch as balancing force. Protect cultural
diversity political beliefs and learn to live sustainably in concert with
natural world. college must stay open and support to embody these values.
doesn’t need generic college for 21st century.

julian sharp senior at Antioch over past 3 years my experience ahs been rich
challenging and rich served as chair of ComCil traveled world thru Antioch
Education Abroad and co-op served on Board of Trustees of Unitarians key
focus is fiduciary responsibility something you may be familiar with. this22
yr old has managed to partially oversee financial resource 1?4 billion. we
invest in what we value. where we spend money speaks volumes about our
morals. it’s a responsibility as trustee to consider complex financial
issues. no matter how complex. what about me seems toxic. I can legally get
married in mass. on co-op in Boston. mass equality’s goal is to secure equal
marriage rights for same sex couple. we won. Antioch is part of this
victory. Movements to canter oppression make just and sustainable societies
Antioch is part of these movements college is one of most relevant schools
in county. take a course on USA patriot act and intern at ACLU as patriot
act intern is very relevant educaiton. students graduate equipped to
understand academic theory and its practical impact. I believe in Antioch
our legacy current situation and current future I trust alumni board faculty
even most students. I don’t know you but you already lost most of my trust.
this board is removed from the community it’s supposed to be governing.
board ember to board member you’ve been engaged in culture of abandonment.
Indicative of systemic problems. there’s money to be raised with real
leadership we’ve raised money can raise with. don’t know if we can raise
under your leadership. if you don’t see viable alternatives, you aren’t
looking. hope you’ll make this best decision. students are back and we are
organizing. we wont sit back while college is gutted. Strong possibility of
individual and collective legal actions on part of students. I’m not toxic
faculty is inspired. keep college open.

pat mische peace studies professor julian is my advisee peace studies major.
I came to Antioch 8 years ago. going to speak this afternoon as
stakeholders. this afternoon faculty will support keep college open support
alum proposal . faculty working with alum on business plan. as cofounder of
non-profit organization before came to Antioch 30 years ago current chair of
board I can sympathize with fiduciary issue had to struggle with over past
years sure not easy decision. global ed assoc non-profit organization been
on every continent included in my talks ed program excellent model o
education. when decision hit global press received emails from all over
world bemoaning closure. Antioch had become beacon of light for mode l of
education and issues addressing. people are sorrowful about this and
potential trend we cant lose momentum by closing for 4 years with
possibility of opening 4 years ago. came to Antioch having taught at
Columbia, Notre dame, Yale, Seaton hall Georgetown. faculty compare and in
many ways exceed those I’ve known anywhere dedication shown to students. if
not tenured faculty cant operate in mode of academic freedom and excellence
when I looked around my first class at Antioch i saw purple hair nose rings
tongue rings I said I made a big mistake but then I got to know them. I
brought to un their interactions with United Nations compares and exceed
many graduate student. can never be put into category of toxic culture. in
June my heart sank I felt hopeless. I come back feel extraordinary hope.
have students told if you come you won’t finish because they want at least
one year. we have 11000 inquires for 2008 already. crisis brings creativity
there’s been extraordinary creativity among faculty alums that’s what gives
me hope.

Megan rosenfeld class of 69 hi ruben. daughter of class of 43 first woman
community mgr. id like to thank all of you for service on board. its
difficult time consuming personally costly. I speak as member of media. I
speak to object to exclusion of press from afternoon session. Antioch is
private college public trust federal money in loans and grants excluding
press from open session essentially is contrary to spirit of Ohio sunshine
law even though not technically applicable. Contradiction of tradition of
free expression hallmark of our school. Calls into question podcast being
made don’t know whether it would be edited. attempts to control media
usually fail. they come back to bit e you in the rear end. It doesn’t work
you end up with blotch on our record as a school with a liberal open
tradition. This is a historic moment were keeping a record of our history.
it should be open. first choice everyone who took trouble to come should be
allowed to witness. Second choice at least let in press urge you during your
break to reconsider that decision.

Charley von wolstein 17 from New York. Pretty exciting to be in Kentucky
never been to Kentucky before never been to save my college before either.
iv noticed a lot of people troubled for their words I am too nobody knows
why we have to make these speeches its ridiculous watch yellow cards put up
in peoples faces to save what they love. I’ve been at Antioch for 2 days
indescribable how i feel about everybody there and community of yellow
springs. Driving here I noticed Devry University shining in the sunrise.
Couldn’t help but wonder place so young existing so easily and a place with
such history can be torn out of the hands of people that love it. My
beginning of college career started paid my deposit by myself before heard
Antioch closing. excited and nervous to be on my own out in world. Got to
Antioch people were there sharing that experience and people were there with
me that had experienced that already. I’m not a really good writer I don’t
really have a plan but there are many teachers that could help me with that
at Antioch. Be ashamed to graduate unless it’s Antioch 2011

Ken Huber. resident of Yellow Springs. Spent 20s in Yellow Springs lived 34
years in New York worked from non-profit organization retired in 99 returned
to Yellow Springs. In my 20s formative years Antioch and Yellow Springs
culture were most critical influence on my development. I’m indebted. What
troubles me about boards decision was suddenness of process. Looked like
took 8 months from identifying problem to solution. also troubled by
slimness of expert input. looks like consultant did job for 3K. for gravity
that input insufficient. concerned about exclusion of alumni, academic other
staff and villagers. When board finally acts in response to serious problems
seems to abruptly offer all or nothing radical solutions. renewal plan is
one example. business model of new Antioch undergrad program is another
example. What market and research done on viability of college and
retirement community financial basis for new Antioch undergrad program. That
community would community would compete with friends care center. 2
retirement communities in Yellow Springs. wonder what developer would get
involved with that. Has board identified developer? If you haven’t and you
need one by June 08 doesn’t seem sufficient time. Developer would have to do
research contract negotiations. hastily arrived at would have to be hastily
achieved risky venture. I call on board revisit decision. Sit down with
alumni other parties work on less risky more traditional plan. guarantee
academic freedom and stability afforded by tenure and union rep.

mariel chaian. Transfer and RA. 22 credit course load. Vain effort to
graduate, excited to see you, wish we could have met under better
circumstances. I’m not going to do some fiscal evaluation I’m going to talk
about how I feel you broke my heart its my heart family friends home I went
to Columbia college to do tour walkthrough had Ikea chairs space agey I sat
in one afraid get it dirty don’t want to go school like that don’t care
about flat screen tv their com facility closes at 10:45 I start working at 3
am I’m going to be 27 in 2012 I finish degree somewhere else. I’m going to
get a degree form community college of Denver. I’ll put you in credits of my
first film. We can be creative together or we can fight you. What we learn
at Antioch is so much more than what we learn in classes it’s to fight for
what we believe in.

Ted goertzel. grad in 64 started coming back to Antioch events by chance.
I’m representing y alumni I was upset by alumni board meeting worst example
of blaming messenger. I was sick. what I found is people don’t look at
numbers. people want to rally and blame enemy. I’ve gotten involved at
internet and looked at alumni board proposal. Business plan to be announced
is not enough need a plan with numbers in it. dealing with financial
realities does not seem to be strength of Antioch education. I’m tenured
faculty myself. my university has money to pay me. wish Antioch had the
money. there is no alumni proposal until they can talk about where the money
comes from. people want to be paid. I thought McGregor building ugly as sin
on edge of town. looks like mall. Alumni board they want to take money from
McGregor give to college. Meeting in Philadelphia way to generate money for
Antioch College. blame failure of college on network maybe historically
true. Revolutionary Community Party people want wealthy philanthropists to
finance revolution. when I was 18 I was satisfied with vision now I’m 64 I
like to look at numbers.

Peter Townsend. Faculty since 71 we’ve heard lots of eloquence and ideas. I
have one point. I think we have short window of opportunity to sit down and
talk together and plan for resolution to problems we have right now. If it
goes on situation will devolved no longer have window of opportunity.
Encourage board to consider options it’s facing. sit down with constituents
work out what’s happened.

Brian Springer community member partner teaches at Antioch. data for
financial discussion available online. Historical budget analysis. it has 6
yr op deficit of 5.6 million dollars. During 6 yr period final operating
expense depreciation of 1.4 million depreciation adds up to 8.6 million.
University depreciation budget 4% of operating budget. For new England 4%
Seattle 4% McGregor 1.8% sc 1.8% college 7.5% historical over time. What
does doubling of depreciation mean? extra 750k difference in how campuses
treated. extra 3.5% deficit drops to 1 million over 6 years. If college’s
depreciation had been treated as integrated portion of university system
operating deficit would be removed 5 of 6 years. all docs go 2001-2007. Some
docs from 73-97. Period of missing years. Leadership did disservice. Missing
years became missing college. Depreciation added to college budget 01-02 1.4
million surprise. Leadership of University didn’t want you to consider in
making decision to close college 4 years continuous growth of enrollment.
Retention rates 65% Lawry determined mark of wellness for college. Endowment
from 97 $11 to $20 in 02 in 02 University said endowment 29 million renewal
plan in 97 series of open meetings classrooms community meetings new
curriculum developed program instituted. Led to increased enrollment
retention depreciation trigger used to cut office of multicultural affairs,
development and admissions embargoed faculty offered early retirement not
replaced lad loss of co-op jobs

Ann filemyr said renewal commission wrote doc sent to faculty and student
body we were shocked hadn’t even been working on curriculum thought only
working on admin structure

artist moved to Yellow Springs3 years ago. (name?) Antioch bedrock of
cultural life of village. Many drawn to live here because small town with
cosmopolitan culture. Villagers give time for common good more than I’ve
ever seen. I’m Oberlin alum, sometimes wish Antioch alum. If been impressed
with faculty and student dedication. After closure announcement 250 students
showed up. freshman on campus want one year at Antioch. Tenured faculty hold
great expertise hold legacy of college join forces with energy talent and
business acumen now at work planning for revitalization of the college

Larry Rubin alum. America needs Antioch. America needs small residential
college in which faculty and students together examine the curriculum
content as interfaces with work experiences and community experiences. these
three interfaces the Antioch triangle is the core value of Antioch. The
viability fiscal of this mode of education is not based on market studies
whose methodology comes and goes. It’s based on proven fact enough people
interested in going to educational place whose graduates have changes the
nature of the market. it can be sold. but you have understand the product.
To say that our product is based on nostalgia on memories of the past. is
not a good method for marketing our product. It shows a basic
misunderstanding of what we are about. It shows misunderstanding of what
education is about. It is about collective memory. Building condos is not.
It can be sold but you need to understand the product and our market never a
mass market its that part of the American culture interested in type of
experiential education we have to offer. It has always existed it exists
now, it can be sold but you have to understand the people who can help you
reach those markets. we represent rather large influential networks groups
around the country interested in sending their children around country.
Works with those who can sell it not work against them. we can work with you
to build Antioch. we will work to build Antioch. We would like to work with
you to do it.

jack ward. first year entering student. 3 days ago arrived at Antioch had no
idea what to expect first appeared like any other college. It may seem
presumptuous to testify in favor of saving college may not be fully aware of
all the facts. It’s important to note that first impressions speak loudly.
ill share my experience so far. Morning of orientation found self at sign in
desk received all paperwork. struck me how I was greeted. Could tell staff
not there only for paychecks welcomed me and cared or me individually not
just account number moved into dorm met community felt immediate kinship.
everyone absorbed no one left behind teamwork spectacularly in a few hours
dorm room my home. In future our society will face uncertainty enormous
challenge we must work together co-operatively. all of us leaders not
followers. my first impression restored my faith in humanity in future. I
know this is where I belong. Closure would break cohesiveness of this
amazing community. Consider how much this place means to the students who
are our nations future if we don’t have hope for the future what will we
leave to our future generations?

tom haugsby. co-op professor. Had unenviable task unlike almost anyone else
talking with employers about end of relationship they’ve had with us very
difficult worked in past 32 years in service of that education innovation.
ad end of next year would have retired anyway. not here for any personal
gain. My love of the college may have been panned by another speaker as
sentimentality. moves me every single day inspires me concern about my on
legacy. 33 years for what. Appreciate art setting tone saying board here to
listen. I would prefer engagement to listening alone. Would prefer actually
working partnerships between the board and college, which has been absent as
long as I’ve been there. Structure of university makes that relationship
difficult layers of cumbersome governance semi-osmotic layers actual
barriers features of this arrangement are lethal to a liberal arts college.
Work fine for adult campuses distance learning operations they don’t and
have never worked well for a liberal arts college especially one modeled on
this educational philosophy. Faculty has gone on record in support of alumni
proposal at least thrust and structure of it. were working like crazy to
catch up offer business plan. Alumni plan underscores important element to
work together with constituent groups who have a stake that hasn’t happened
it wont happen this afternoon at closed meeting. Underscores fundamental
element of alumni proposal needs to have own governing board I would prefer
emancipation. It would allow for proximate working partnerships
collaboration not evident in current structure current circumstances or
boards plan for some kind of college. I’m on glen Helen research institute
board. president of board began by saying we all knew there was something
wrong over there. There’s something wrong with the structure the context the
college and University context reflect on that an honest accounting of the
history of the college will point to the difficulty of college has with that
context. The 8 million dollars raised recently is a testament to the
viability of that independence. Hope this isn’t perfunctory meeting that you
must endure patiently so we’ll give up and go away. reconsider your
decision. This is a tipping point the momentum is upon us. take hold of this
with us in partnership.

Ben horlacher first year student don’t want to make angry state talk about
appeal to students wish I could share with you. clear up confusion. we want
the college to survive with a few exceptions. Feeling at college is not
anger at board its great heartbreak its overwhelming hope and pride we want
to do something to make a difference we want to win our victory for
humanity. We decided we are hear to win hearts and minds not here to hurt
feelings. if you know how students feel you would be reassured by strength
of college. these are some of the strongest students in the world. ivy
league students don’t come close to the awareness that these students have.
Think about restoring this college. You don’t just have alumni money, great
alumni plan, and great faculty. You have students- you have powerful
resource energy that comes from being under 30. It’s there ready to help you
guys looking for an outlet for that energy we want to be on the front lines
just ask us give us a task we will put ourselves to it. we have a lot of
energy we want to do something. Thank you for your time and your open ears
and open minds.

Israel: only 3 more speakers.

Karen mulhauser: thank you for organizing this important day. I was one of
you once I was trustee for 14 years alumni board pres 4 years. Grad in 65 as
Karen Webber. in 60s we heard phrase a meaningful experience. now there’s a
lot of talk about teachable moments. My Antioch education continues until
today I want to continue it forever. hearing these people makes me very
emotional I know your feeling it to. I’m one of the 27 former trustees wrote
to you five were chairs 235 years of trustee experience we understand what
you’re gong thru. consider other alternatives. Letter from dole-Mann family
emailed overnight. Extended family direct descendents of Horace Mann eight
members of family 3 generations are alumni. This extended family included
educators, community activists, peace activists, homebuilders, we’ve made
donations specifically to Antioch College to support legacy of Horace Mann
and support legacy included sizable gift in will. allow others to be exposed
to same ideals. They would join us in feeling bitterly betrayed by
misappropriation of money we’ve given over years. we stand firmly opposed to
any plan threaten principal so f community, governance and Antioch freedom.
It is trustees responsibility to assure college remains open. Appears to
conflict of interest between college and satellite campuses so we support
alumni proposal. We pledge to continue our financial support only if the
board votes to support alumni prooposal.

hassan rahmanian. I’ve taught for 22 years at the college. In the past 2
months I have been struggling to make sense of our new situation I’ve gone
thru many narratives not just blaming you or the structure blaming myself
why didn’t leave Antioch a few years ago. Antioch to faculty is more than
workplace it is an institution. My biography these 22 years tied to all
these people interact with me on a daily basis. every fall is really our
spring. brings hope of a new year new season. This last Thursday was new
spring different from any other I’ve experienced. I have advisee sitting
there she came last year. she got scholarship London school of economics.
Asked me for advice I wasn’t in state to advise her what could I say can’t
make sense of the situation. She received full scholarship to go to Bard
College she refused she is here today. Every term she was engaged in 30
credits in theater dance other day meeting with new advisees. Student came
to classroom her eyes filled with tears she shared story of 70s. In my mind
as management and organizational person. When you talk about closing it’s of
factory shop firm, not an institution. An institution has roots these are
roots coming out reinvigorating. the tee you want to cut is not ready to
die. New twigs are budding you heard them today. My colleagues stayed with
Antioch despite all odds. Let us not get toxic but intoxicate. I’m searching
for spiritual and intellectual intoxication. I’m a Sufi. They gave me that.
Make me alive as a person. Antioch is more than workplace for me. In 86 I
came to Antioch looking for new home let my country couldn’t go home I
resisted staying in America Antioch gave my America the democracy I found at
Antioch is my America. Don’t take away my America. They let me be myself
they wanted my diversity they are not into homogeneity I love that
intoxication of idealism. I’m a realist I served on AdCil for 10 years you
didn’t believe us when we told you about budget problems. I like my
colleagues want you to join us rebuilding. I have all the numbers you need,
we can exchange more details.

Judy Wolert-Moldanado: I’m a daughter of Argentinean immigrants, a first
generation college student, an Antioch alum and Yellow Springs resident.
When the announcement was first made I saw the town of Yellow Springs
mobilize itself. The villagers came together and worked nonstop to keep the
college open. I support the alumni proposal. This a potential success
story, the higher education success story of the decade. It’s up to all of
us to make it happen. Picture a successful liberal arts college in a
vibrant, engaged community with deep connections to the community. A
trailblazing co-operative education program, self-governance and critical
thought. With graduates addressing racism, sexism, military abuses, human
and animal rights abuses. Graduates who become leading figures in their
field. I know that this scenario can exist because it has existed for 155
years. I call upon you to be bold leaders, listen to our voices. Out of
this closed meeting come to us with a success story. Negotiate with us.
Work with us for the uninterrupted operation of the college. We can do this
together.

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Saturday 08/25/07 AM Sessions - Edited & Organized

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