NYC Antioch College Community Chapter

Nov 18th meeting a huge success!

newyorkcity — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:07:08 +0000

Interim President Matthew Derr, Major Gifts Officer Eric Miller, Trustee Barbara Winslow and Arthur Morgan Fellows Beverly Rodgers and Jean Gregorek joined 100 alumni and friends of Antioch College in NYC to celebrate and have an open conversation about programs and curriculum ideas moving forward toward a new, revitalized, independent College. It was wonderful to see a whole range of alumni ranging from the Class of ‘42 to the Class of ‘08.

An audio recording of the meeting should be available soon. Please check back later for information.

We missed some people for the sign-in process and didn’t get complete information from everyone who did sign-in to the meeting, but for those who expressed an interest in knowing, here’s what we have for attendees by decade:
1940s – 2
1950s – 17
1960s – 15
1970s – 15
1980s – 6
1990s – 7
2000s – 11

It’s vitally important now at this early ramp-up stage that alumni and friends contribute at least a small amount to the College because we need to dramatically increase our alumni participation numbers. The percentage of participating alumni has an enormous effect on large scale fundraising/support efforts and really can mean the difference between success and failure of this venture to re-open Antioch College as a vibrant liberal arts institution. Please give what you can and ask all those you know to do the same. Reconnect with old friends and inspire them to reconnect with Antioch College.

SUPPORT ANTIOCH COLLEGE – Antioch College Alumni Association – CLICK HERE TO DONATE

NYC Chapter meeting 11-18-09

newyorkcity — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:58:17 +0000

Please come celebrate our hard won independence of Antioch College!!! WE DID IT!!! The Vitruvian A rises again!

Matthew Derr (Chief Transition Officer) and Morgan Fellows Beverly Rodgers and Jean Gregorek will be in NYC to make some presentations, answer some questions, celebrate and socialize with us.

Our meeting will be in the Assembly Hall in the basement of Judson Memorial Church near Washington Square Park. We have had meetings there before so you may remember it.

239 Thompson Street
(between West 3rd and Washington Square South. The door is in the middle of the block)

SUBWAY
A,B,C,D,E,F,V to W4
R,W to 8th St/NYU
6 to Astor Place
PATH train to 9th Street

** STARTING PROMPTLY AT 7pm **
We can begin arriving at 6:30, but to maximize our time, please plan accordingly and arrive on time.

We will have light snacks and refreshments, but feel free to bring a little non-messy snack or beverage if you like.

Fully ADA accessible with elevator, but unfortunately no internet connectivity.

EVENT PAGE ON FACEBOOK:

www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/event.php?eid=176465533054

Reunion and Work Week 2009

newyorkcity — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:23:18 +0000

Please register for Reunion as soon as possible!
http://tinyurl.com/AntiochReunion2009

REUNION — October 2 – 4

WORK PROJECT WEEK — September 25 – October 2
The week before the official Reunion opening on October 2nd, alumni from many eras will come to campus and engage in work projects to help restore the campus and prepare for Reunion. The Work Project this year will focus on the Olive Kettering Library, which is in need of some good old fashioned TLC! Work at “the Big Olive” will include cleaning, organizing, repairing and painting.

Other projects include work in the garden and various groundskeeping needs. Past years’ Work Project participation rate has varied, with 18 being the smallest number of volunteers and 45 being the largest. Let’s make this year the biggest one yet! Join us and share a common present and a common past.

As always we will provide Housing (in the units dormitory or a homestay). Elin Shallcross ‘67 and Trudi have volunteered for breakfast and lunch duty as well. Work project volunteers are also welcome to stay in their dorm rooms for the reunion weekend as well.

Let us know you are coming for work project and your housing needs by calling or emailing Duffy at sduffy" target="_blank">sduffy or (866)767-2341

New website launched for Antioch College

newyorkcity — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:04:26 +0000

A new website has been launched for ANTIOCH COLLEGE: http://antiochcollege.org/

Please check back often as it will be changing rapidly as we move further along the path towards the renewed, revitalized Antioch.

Matthew Derr (Chief Transition Officer for the ACCC) answers questions about JOB POSTINGS:
http://listen.antiochians.org/2009/08/05/ns-080509-matt-d-answers-job-posting-questions

Chapter mtg 7/27 with Lee Morgan and Matt Derr

newyorkcity — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:11:17 +0000

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

AUDIO RECORDING OF THE 7/27 NYC CHAPTER MEETING:
http://listen.antiochians.org/2009/07/28/ny-alumni-chapter-meeting-072709

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

MONDAY July 27
7:15 – 10pm
273 Bowery
University Settlement at the Houston Street Center
2nd Floor, Classroom #1

*** PLEASE BE PUNCTUAL ***
~ we can arrive no earlier than 7pm and must cleaned up and gone by 10pm ~

http://tinyurl.com/7-27-nyc – view the invitation on Facebook

The boards of Antioch University and the Antioch College Continuation Corporation (ACCC) have unanimously voted in favor of a set of definitive agreements for the creation of an independent Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, including the transfer of the campus and endowment.

Lee Morgan ‘66, Chair of the ACCC Transition Task Force, Matthew Derr ‘89, Chief Transition Officer for the ACCC and Aimee Maruyama ‘96, Director of Alumni Relations, will be in NYC to celebrate with us, give us details and field questions.

Please pass along to all NYC area alums you know.

We’ll pass the hat to help offset the cost of renting the meeting space.

It would be helpful to all if everyone read these articles before coming to the meeting:
YS NEWS ARTICLE ABOUT TRANSITION
http://www.ysnews.com/stories/2009/07/070909_antioch.html
GLCA PRESS RELEASE
http://www.glca.org/?news=169

Getting to the meeting by subway:
F,V – 2 Av/Lower East Side
B,D,F,V – Broadway/Lafayette
6 – Bleecker Stree
R,W – Prince Street
J,M,Z – Bowery

SUCCESS!!! Agreement reached between AU and AC3

newyorkcity — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:41:50 +0000

SUCCESS!!!
An agreement has been signed with both boards unanimously agreed. Purchase price $6.08M for the campus, golf course, Glen, endowment, Antioch Review and exclusive perpetual ownership of the name Antioch College.

More details on www.antiochians.org:
Celebrate! http://tinyurl.com/r8smre
Press release: http://tinyurl.com/qfqkep

REUNION 2009!
Work Project Sept 28 – Oct 1
Reunion Oct 1 – 4
http://tinyurl.com/pw4q6y

Horrific leak in Main Building

newyorkcity — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 17:31:30 +0000

*** 2-7-09 LEAK IN MAIN BUILDING ***
Watch the video and then call the Alumni Board and the University Administration and let them know you are paying attention and this is absolutely inexcusable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjjUNF7Dx7E

From Peter Townsend, former Environmental Science professor at Antioch College:

Tonight when I visited Main Building I felt large areas on the first floor where the bricks on the outside of the building are saturated with water. Main Building was built in the 1850’s and the bricks hold the structure up. On the ground level there are 4 thicknesses of bricks. For the outside bricks to be slick with water coming from inside the building means all four layers of bricks and all of the mortar in the walls of the saturated areas is filled with water.

When it gets below freezing again, the bricks and mortar in main building will freeze, which will not be good for the building. Ice damaged bricks in the bottom floor of a building that is supported by its brick exterior, does not bode well for the structural integrity of the building.

Letter of Intent FAQs

newyorkcity — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 02:05:17 +0000

Frequently asked questions regarding the Letter of Intent between the Antioch University Board of Trustees and the Board Pro-Tem are available here (via www.antiochians.org):

http://tinyurl.com/b26296

LETTER OF INTENT TO CREATE AN INDEPENDENT ANTIOCH COLLEGE

newyorkcity — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:15:21 +0000

* * * ALSO AVAILABLE AT www.antiochians.org * * *

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

January 13, 2009 Contact: Charla White

734.661.2340

First Step Taken to Create a Newly Independent Antioch College

Letter of Intent Approved by Boards of Antioch University and Antioch College Continuation Corporation

Great Lakes Colleges Association

535 W. William, Suite 301, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

www.glca.org

Phone: 734.661.2350

Fax: 734.661.2349

Ann Arbor, MI—Six months after operations were suspended at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio a Letter of Intent to finalize an agreement to create a newly independent Antioch College, separate from Antioch University, has been approved by both the Board Pro Tempore of the Antioch College Continuation Corporation and the Antioch University Board of Trustees.

“This Letter of Intent seeks to protect the interests of Antioch University while creating the prospect for a newly independent and viable Antioch College,” said Richard Detweiler, President of the Great Lakes Colleges Association and mediator and chair of the Taskforce. Detweiler continues, “This letter of intent, while not binding on the parties, establishes the framework to negotiate a more detailed and comprehensive definitive agreement.”

The Taskforce was proposed by the Alumni Association in response to a request from the University Board of

Trustees to develop a process to create an independent college; both the University and the Alumni have sanctioned its work. The Taskforce, in addition to Richard Detweiler, also included Antioch College alumni Matthew Derr, ’89, Lee Morgan, ’67, and Antioch University Trustees Dan Fallon, ’61 and Antioch University-New England alumnus Jack Merselis, ’96.

The Taskforce has been working since August and has explored a number of possible solutions while also taking into consideration the volatility in the financial marketplace. With the financial support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Morgan Family Foundation, the Taskforce was able secure independent financial analyses from George K. Baum and Company and legal counsel from Bond, Schoeneck & King, LLC.

Lee Morgan, Antioch College graduate of 1967, Chairman of the Antioch College Continuation Corporation, and grandson of Antioch College’s 11th president and educational pioneer, Arthur Morgan, stated: “This is an historic moment for the College and for Yellow Springs, Ohio. We have monumental work ahead, but we now have the framework in place to restore the College to health as an independent institution for the first time in forty years. I am honored to lead this effort with my fellow Board Pro Tem members and we are pleased with the support this Letter of Intent has been given by both Antioch University and the Antioch College community.”

Art Zucker, Antioch College graduate of 1955 and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Antioch University said, “This Board of Trustees made a clear commitment to the revitalization of Antioch College and I am pleased at the high level of collaboration that took place.” As an alumnus of the College and a member of the University Board Zucker said he looks forward to continued work with the Board Pro Tempore. “We all know that the world needs Antioch University and Antioch College – both great educational innovators — to be healthy and thriving and this agreement moves both institutions in that direction,” Zucker said.

“Antioch University and Antioch College are best served by our collaborative work to develop a plan that will restore the college to successful operation for the long term,” said Chancellor Toni Murdock.

The Taskforce will continue to work with the Great Lakes Colleges Association and its legal team to develop the definitive agreements necessary to finalize the transaction. Included in this agreement are ambitious fundraising goals on the part of the newly independent college and important conditions to complete regarding the transaction such as the approval of third-party financial institutions and governmental bodies in the State of Ohio such as, the Ohio Attorney General. The Letter of Intent calls for a 90-day period of “exclusive dealing” in which to accomplish this work starting in early January.

Nancy Crow, Antioch College graduate of 1970 and president of the Antioch College Alumni Association and Antioch University trustee said ”Throughout this year, many different groups have worked to find a way forward for Antioch College and we all share in this important accomplishment. I know that the alumni, former faculty, staff and students will look at this Letter of Intent as a promising sign for the future of the College and that we can begin to work together on inventing an exciting future.”

###

Founded in 1962, the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) is a non-profit organization

governed by thirteen selective liberal arts colleges in the Midwest: Albion, Allegheny, Antioch,

DePauw, Denison, Earlham, Hope, Kalamazoo, Kenyon, Oberlin, Ohio Wesleyan, Wabash, and

Wooster. Its purpose is to strengthen and extend education in the tradition of the liberal arts

and sciences. GLCA often works conjointly with similar associations of liberal arts colleges to

enhance the strength and vitality of member institutions. For additional information contact:

Charla White at 734.661.2340

LETTER OF INTENT

PERTAINING TO THE PURCHASE OF CERTAIN ASSETS OF ANTIOCH UNIVERSITY

This Letter of Intent (LOI) dated January 9, 2009, between the Antioch University Board of

Trustees (“Trustees”), and the Board Pro Tempore of the Antioch College Continuation

Corporation (“BPT”) acting at the request of the elected Antioch College Alumni Association

Board of Directors, sets forth the terms and conditions under which the Trustees and the BPT

intend to enter into one or more definitive agreements.

WHEREAS, the Trustees requested the Alumni Association to create the necessary

process, plans and resources in order to permit Antioch College to operate as an independent

four-year, residential, liberal arts college in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and a business plan for the

transfer of assets from the University to the College, and to present those processes, resources,

timetable and business plan to the Trustees for its consideration; and

WHEREAS, the Trustees are committed to resumption of operations at the College at an

early time; and

WHEREAS, the Trustees have determined that the College can best be brought to health,

vigor, vitality, and long-term sustainability through governance by an independent board of

trustees; and

WHEREAS, the Trustees and the BPT stand ready to collaborate to achieve these

objectives, pursuant to a plan which contemplates the operation of the newly independent

College (the “Independent College”) by Antioch College Continuation Corporation under the

direction of the BPT;

NOW, THEREFORE, in support of the stated educational mission of the University,

protecting or enhancing the University’s financial position, and allowing for the creation of a

plausibly viable College, this LOI details the basis for separation of the College from the

University (the “Transaction”). The basic terms and conditions to the Transaction are as follows:

A. Intellectual Property Licenses

Subject to the reversion terms described in Section H, the University will license to the

Independent College, on an exclusive, non-transferrable, perpetual, royalty-free basis, the right to

use the name “Antioch College” and any and all associated logos, including the exclusive use of

the logo identified as the “Vitruvian A” and other appropriate trademarks, service marks, and

internet domain names historically associated exclusively with the College (collectively, the

“Marks”). The University retains all rights to the name “Antioch” in connection with education

institutions other than the name “Antioch College” and further retains any trademarks, service

marks, and internet domain names not used exclusively by the College. Further detail regarding the possible reversion of intellectual property under certain circumstances will be addressed in

one or more definitive agreements.

B. Asset Purchase

The Independent College will acquire the right, title, and interest that the University possesses

and has in and to the following assets (the “Purchased Assets”):

1. The real estate comprising the campus of Antioch College owned by the University in

Yellow Springs Ohio (the “Campus”) in its then as-is condition, subject to normal due

diligence, including the University’s real estate holdings roughly east of Xenia Avenue,

with the exception of the Kettering Building, 150 E South College Street, and adjacent

land and structures as shown on the diagram annexed hereto as Exhibit A.

2. The real estate comprising Glen Helen Nature Preserve (“Glen Helen”).

3. Except as otherwise excluded pursuant to the terms of this LOI, all tangible and

intangible personal property (other than the Marks, the treatment of which is described in

Section A above), including, but not limited to, furnishings, fixtures, equipment and

vehicles, used in connection with the operation of the Campus and Glen Helen, including

without limitation those that were placed in storage when and since operations at the

College were suspended; no such furnishings, equipment and vehicles will be removed

from inventory while agreements pursuant to this LOI are under discussion.

4. All assets owned by the University associated with the periodical known as the Antioch

Review (the “Review”).

5. Any assets and agreements currently owned or held by the University regarding the

Coretta Scott King Center.

6. The real estate and improvements associated with the University’s power plant.

7. Copies of records regarding former employees, former students and alumni of the

Antioch College campus of the University, transferred as and to the extent permitted by

applicable law. Records of students holding contracts for financial aid will not be

transferred until the terms of said contracts have been satisfied.

8. The endowments, securities, reserve funds, charitable remainder trusts, and charitable gift

annuity funds held for the exclusive use of or intended for the benefit of Antioch College,

Glen Helen or the Review, transferred as and to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Issues related to endowment or gift liabilities will be addressed in the Definitive

Agreements. It is understood by the Trustees and the BPT that the independent Antioch College and

Antioch University will separately assume existing liabilities in unfunded restricted

obligations.

9. Exclusive of the University’s corporate business records, all books, research materials,

and related items owned by the University located in the Olive Kettering Library;

provided that the University remains eligible for continued membership in the Ohio Link

system from and after the transfer (it being understood that such materials shall be

transferred only upon confirmation of such continued eligibility).

10. Antiochiana (the archive and its collections) exclusive of the University’s corporate

business records.

The following assets of the University would not be transferred in connection with the

Transaction:

11. Existing University accounts receivable associated with the operation of the College.

12. The program known as Antioch Education Abroad, including all assets associated with

such program.

13. WYSO Radio and its associated FCC licenses, including all assets associated with such

program; provided that the University and the Independent College shall enter into a

“right of first refusal” purchase agreement pursuant to which the Independent College

would be entitled to acquire the aforementioned assets upon the same terms as any

proposed disposition thereof by the University.

14. The Kettering Building, 150 E South College Street, and adjacent land and structures;

provided that the University and the Independent College shall enter into a “right of first

refusal” purchase agreement pursuant to which the Independent College would be

entitled to acquire the aforementioned assets upon the same terms as any proposed

disposition thereof by the University.

15. All other real property or tangible or intangible personal property not specifically listed in

Sections A.1. through A.10.

C. Collaborative Use Descriptions

The following assets of the University have programmatic value to Antioch College. Therefore,

although the University will have sole management authority, the Trustees and BPT will develop

agreements for collaborative use:

1. WYSO Radio

2. Antioch Education Abroad

The following current and future assets of the Independent College have programmatic value to

Antioch University. Therefore, although the Independent College will have sole management

authority, the Trustees and BPT will develop agreements for collaborative use:

3. The Glen Helen Nature Preserve

4. Olive Kettering Library (from and after satisfaction of the condition referenced in Section

B.9).

5. Antiochiana

6. Sontag Fels Hall provided, however, that the Independent College shall enter into a lease

agreement with the University for the space currently occupied by WYSO.

D. Consideration

Consistent with the mutually agreed goal of protecting or enhancing the University’s financial

position and allowing for the creation of a plausibly viable College, the following are the

financial considerations of this transaction.

Cash provided by the Independent College on the Closing Date:

Cash at Closing [a] $5,000,000

Payment for Bonds Payable [b] $1,500,000

TOTAL CASH $6,500,000

[a] Non-public confidential gift(s) conditioned on the successful completion of the

Transaction to the satisfaction of the BPT on a predetermined established

timetable. To be paid to the University in cash on the Closing Date.

[b] Figure represents an estimate of the remaining tax-exempt bond debt principal

on improvements to the Campus. Estimate to be revised, and paid to the

University in cash, on the Closing Date.

E. Mediation

The Definitive Agreements (as defined in Section F.1 below) would contain provisions requiring

the submission of certain disputes to mediation.

F. Conditions

Consummation of the Transaction shall be conditioned upon the satisfaction of the following, in

addition to any conditions that may be set forth in the Definitive Agreements, on or before the

closing date:

1. The negotiation and execution of definitive agreements setting forth the terms of the

Transaction (the “Definitive Agreements”) acceptable to the Trustees and BPT, which

will contain representations, warranties, and indemnification provisions and other

provisions or conditions customary for a transaction of this nature and mutually agreeable

to the parties, including any contracts that may need to be transferred from the University

to the Independent College.

2. The receipt of any necessary consents or approvals from governmental authorities,

creditors and other third parties to the transactions contemplated by this LOI and the

Definitive Agreements and/or the operation of the Independent College.

3. Valid assignment to the Independent College of any permits related to ownership and/or

use, as applicable, of any of the Purchase Assets, to the extent permitted by applicable

law.

4. The election of the BPT to the board of directors of Antioch College Continuation

Corporation and the approval by the IRS of an application for recognition of the Antioch

College Continuation Corporation as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3)

of the Internal Revenue Code.

5. Completion of the due diligence review by BPT, which reveals no material financial

obligations, lawsuits, or other issues impacting the value of the Purchased Assets or the

Marks.

6. Completion of a documented strategic plan, endorsed by the Great Lakes Colleges

Association, to seek provisional authorization for Antioch College by the Ohio Board of

Regents and provisional accreditation by the North Central Association of Schools and

Colleges.

G. Exclusive Dealing

For a period beginning upon the execution of this LOI by each party hereto and ending 90 days

thereafter (the “Exclusivity Period”), none of the Trustees, the University, BPT, the Antioch

College Continuation Corporation or their respective members, directors, officers, employees,

agents or representatives will, directly or indirectly solicit, initiate or encourage any inquiries,

proposals or offers from any other person or entity relating to any sale or assignment of any of

the Purchased Assets or the Marks. During the Exclusivity Period, the Trustees and the

University shall negotiate exclusively with the BPT concerning the sale, assignment, transfer or

conveyance of any of the Purchased Assets and/or Marks. The Exclusivity Period can be

extended by mutual agreement.

H. Reversion

In the event that the Independent College is unable to achieve accreditation within five years, or

to maintain its accreditation (once earned), the University will have the right, if it chooses and

subject to the receipt of any necessary governmental or other third party approvals, to have all

assets transferred under the Definitive Agreements revert back to the University at no cost,

including all items listed in Paragraphs B(1) through (10) above and including all improvements

made. In the event that the University is unable to sustain itself as an independent institution,

the name “Antioch” used to indicate an educational institution will be assigned and transferred to

the Independent College.

I. Expenses

The taskforce (“Taskforce”)consisting of two members of the University Board of Trustees, two

members of the BPT, and a chair/mediator that has been working with the consent of the

University and the BPT to create an agreement, through its legal counsel, will prepare the

Definitive Agreements. The cost of the Taskforce attorney (estimated at $175,000 to $225,000

for the preparation of the definitive general transaction document, as well as ancillary

instruments such as IP licenses, real estate deeds, etc.) will be equally shared by the University

and the BPT. The legal fees of the University and the BPT to review and negotiate the Definitive

Agreements, and the legal fees of the University and the BPT associated with obtaining approval

of the Ohio Attorney General and any other required third party approvals for transfer of

endowment funds from the University to the Independent College, up to an aggregate total of

$100,000 shall also be shared equally by the University and the BPT. Except as set forth in the

preceding two sentences, each party shall bear its own fees and expenses incurred in connection

with this LOI, the Transaction, and the Definitive Agreements.

J. Miscellaneous

1. The Trustees and the BPT shall negotiate in good faith the terms of the Definitive

Agreements and shall use their best efforts to finalize the Definitive Agreements within

90 days of the signing of this Letter of Intent, it being understood and acknowledged that

the actual execution of the Definitive Agreements may occur later if necessary consents

or approvals from the Ohio Attorney General, other governmental authorities of

competent jurisdiction, and the University’s creditors have not been received by such

date. Further, consistent with Section G, negotiations can be extended beyond 90 days by

mutual agreement.

2. It is understood that this LOI is only a letter of intent summarizing and evidencing the

discussions between the parties and not an offer or agreement by any party to engage in

the Transaction. This LOI does not contain all matters upon which an agreement must be

reached in order for the Transaction to be consummated. This LOI does not create a

legally binding commitment of any kind with respect to such a Transaction, other than an

obligation to negotiate in good faith as required by Section J.1 and to negotiate exclusively to the extent required by Section G. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, no obligation of any kind shall exist or arise between the parties by virtue of this LOI unless and until the Definitive Agreements have been executed, in which event the obligations of the parties shall be solely as provided in such Definitive Agreements.

3. This LOI, unless extended by agreement of the parties, shall terminate on the last day of

the Exclusivity Period, or earlier upon execution of the Definitive Agreements.

4. This LOI may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but both of

which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Facsimile signatures will be

an acceptable form of execution.

5. This LOI shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of

Ohio.

Mtg minutes from 11/12

newyorkcity — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:41:37 +0000

Meeting Minutes
NYC Antioch College Community Chapter
November 12, 2008
153 W. 119th Street New York, NY
——————————————————————————————–
Meeting started at 7:30
Attending: Matthew Derr, Calista Hendrickson, David Ottaviano, Susan Opotow, Donald Davidson, Noreen Dean Dresser, Jeff Wood, Harold Calhoun, Janet Goldner, Lynda White, Victoria Hochberg (from Los Angeles), Aaron Gruenberg
- – -

Matthew Derr — member of the Task Force and the Antioch College Board Pro-Tem — presented the latest developments to the group and took questions. Except where noted, the following is a summary of Derr’s comments.

“We [Antiochians] were all trained to support causes and Alma Mater was not a cause that we identified with…if anything has come out of this last year, the College is now a cause. We identify with it now in a way that we probably would not have if this terrible event [closure by the University] had not unfolded in the way that it has.”

OPENING
The Task Force is creating an agreement to separate Antioch College from Antioch University and has been working since July. Derr is confident the process will go well and thinks we may be mere weeks from an agreement, adding that if an agreement is reached soon that Antioch College should be re-opened and running by 2010 (“I can’t imagine any later than that”).

BOARD PRO-TEM
To avoid the snare of creating yet another corporate entity the Board Pro-Tem has assumed the incorporation of the Antioch College Continuation Corporation (AC3).
The Board Pro-Tem has said it will not speak until there is a college. There are 14 members presently, eventually expected to be 20-25 people. Lee Morgan is chairperson, and as of yet there are no bylaws. The Board Pro-Tem is geared to thinking post-separation, and recognizes that time is of the essence and so is prepared to act in a timely manner once an agreement is reached.

The finances of the separation must remain confidential at this time.
The College endowment has many YSO restricted covenants.
The University needs a solution as much as the College and has worked on a separation concept for some time.

THE NAME “ANTIOCH COLLEGE”
Several NYC alums expressed apprehension that Antioch College and the University might remain interlocked by virtue of sharing the name and firmly stated that the College should own the name as opposed to just licensing the name from the University. Concerns were expressed that the moral and financial confusion of sharing the name could sap our future efforts. Coordination/management of name sharing should be well thought out. Derr said he has never heard a University board member express an interest in not allowing us to use the name “Antioch College”. Derr mentioned that the Great Lakes College Association has been helpful here and that the University efforts to “protect” the name through threatening legal action is standard practice for those seeking to keep a name fully protected.

“After separation, the University will be the least of our problems,” said Derr.

OPPORTUNITIES AND GOALS FOR THE FUTURE
American higher education may now have a break-down moment such as the one Antioch College has experienced. However, Antioch College is now essentially free of debt. The nature of our style in the areas of academics, social change, work and community position us well for the future. Nonstop Institute faculty and students have found their way and are “in charge of their own fates.”

When the College opens, it will be small. “I remain concerned that the College cannot come back as an anemic place” so the Board Pro-Tem is disinclined to start with small faculty salaries because they are morally indefensible.

There is a “low cost niche” for a college like Antioch. Other colleges may have overbuilt (ie, in-suite bathrooms, academically unnecessary and extravagant facilities) and a crisis in higher education is imminent with the economic downturn. The future question will be where does frugality stop and poverty start. The Board Pro-Tem wants the new college to reflect the mission as it is traditionally understood.

The campus, Glen Helen, and name will be included in Antioch College.

The potential for lawsuits did not play a role in forcing the University to constructively negotiate. Derr said the University board is not monolithic and some are truly saddened by the events of the last year.

The separation process has lasted so long partly due to inadequate legal advice. “It would be very difficult for Antioch College if the University were to fail.”

Fund raising needs a business plan.

COMMUNICATIONS
Derr said he’d like to see NYC chapter communicate with other NYC alumni. Active communication bears significant meaning for University and the College.

Several NYC alums criticized the CRF and Alumni Association for failing to communicate with chapters as well as failing on the public relations front. Several NYC alums said it was often hard to get information and a response.

Derr in response said we have to change a “culture of criticism”, adding that there was no paid communications staff.

Several NYC alums continued to cite the insufficiencies in the communications area as a critical failure that is resulting in loss of interest of alumni and allies. Derr says that he will take these communications concerns to YSO on Monday 11/17 and the NYC Chapter should write directly to Nancy Crow and Ellen Borgerson requesting that a paid Communications position be created. Derr also suggested NYC raising money for a Communications position to make clear our concerns to the Board Pro-Tem.

Might publicity work be a future NYC effort? In the current holding pattern there is frustration for several NYC alums on this public relations front. Interest was expressed for contacting the Brian Lehrer show for publicity.

INVENT-A-COLLEGE
Alums expressed concern that there has been no reporting by the Alumni Association or CRF follow-up of the Invent/Create a College meeting at Earlham in the 5 weeks since it occurred. Derr said the GLCA completed its report on October 20, and it should be up on the website.

CLOSING
Derr’s 3 Most Important Things to keep in mind:
1) the imminent separation of the College from the University,
2) alums have to be prepared for the next stage,
3) money/fundraising will be crucial in the near future.

Meeting adjourned 9:50

Minutes compiled by Harold Calhoun & Jeff Wood