INFO AND IDEAS: food for thought...
1. Before 9/11/01, the college lost $20 million due to poor management of investments. Yes, it was a market downturn, but on a percentage basis the Wells endowment lost more than any other college/university in upstate New York. (This was reported in the Syracuse paper.) If it hadn't been for the bequest that fall from Mrs. Thomas of $20 million, the terrible mismanagement would have been more obvious. College money has been mishandled right along; enrollment really isn't the main reason for their money woes.
2. The decision to go co-ed was announced the day after the deadline to withdraw from college. How cruel.
3. From a '57 alumna: "Dear President Ryerson:...I join with the majority of Wells Alumnae who are deeply disappointed in the failure of the board to continue Wells' strong commitment to the higher education of women at Wells in a single sex academic environment. Does what we think mean nothing?...Have the Trustees developed an exit strategy and liquidation plan for the college's assets? Could we know what it is and how long you think it will be before the college loses its identity and closes its doors for good? I'm sure you all must have discussed these matters; I'm just asking that you share your plan."
4. The students call her President Liarson.
5. Send donations to the Annual Fund in the form of a voided check along with a note letting saying this is what you would donate if the college were not going co-ed. Tell them when they reverse the decision you'll send a valid check for that amount.
6. How can they claim they've tried everything? They haven't even covered the basics! From a '75 alumna: "My husband has been doing college fairs for Colgate for over 5 years. Every time he returns from one I ask if he has seen a rep from Wells (and these are huge events, not just small gatherings with a half dozen reps)...he has NEVER SEEN ONE. This administration has failed in so many ways..." [Update: dozens of alumnae have sent in similar stories. What has been going on in Wells Admissions?]
7. Only one member of the Wells College Board of Trustees has a Ph.D.
8. Check out the list of clients for the firm which the Board hired to advise on the coed decision. See any schools or any non-profit orgs? Why didn't the Board consult with their own in-house experts: the faculty, alumnae, and students?
9. Can Wells alumnae learn from the role of Mills College alumnae in the fight to reverse the Mills Board's decision to go co=ed?
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