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Wed Aug 20 2008

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Antioch College Alumni Outraged at University's Rejection of Bid; Vow to Continue to Fight and to Support "Nonstop Antioch"
by Antiochians.org
March 29, 2008

March 28, 2008– Antioch College alumni working through the College Revival Fund, Inc. (CRF), restated their unwavering support for Nonstop Antioch today, in response to news that the University Board of Trustees had rejected a significant and viable offer by a group of major donors and educational leaders that would have enabled Antioch College to continue operating past the University's June 30, 2008 date of closure.

Ellen Borgersen, Acting President of the CRF, said today in a statement: "The suspicion that the University Board of Trustees was negotiating in bad faith and not interested in saving the College has, unfortunately, been confirmed. Over the past four months, the Antioch College Continuation Corporation (AC3) labored mightily to put together an offer that would be a win-win solution for the University and the College, as well as for the community and for everyone who believes in what Antioch stands for."

She continued, "We thank the AC3 for their tremendous efforts on the College's behalf. However, in the wake of the University's rejection of their offer, Antioch alumni, students, faculty and staff are prepared to go forward with our plans for Nonstop Antioch." In late February, the CRF committed at least $1 million unconditionally to support this movement.

Nonstop Antioch is what alumni, students, staff and faculty dubbed the movement to keep Antioch College alive and operating in Yellow Springs in the event the AC3's efforts were unsuccessful. It includes support for students, faculty and staff who have committed to staying in Yellow Springs to teach, learn, and keep the Antioch spirit alive. Nonstop Antioch also includes plans for fundraising, direct action, and litigation.

At its last meeting in late February, the Antioch College Alumni Board directed its Legal Committee to "explore all legal avenues to protect the name, assets and reputation of Antioch College." In direct response to the AC3's announcement today, an anonymous donor gave $10,000 to the CRF for legal expenses, and pledged more to come. The CRF is supporting litigation on behalf of students and donors, as well as the faculty's lawsuit to enjoin the University and the Board of Trustees from closing the College or misappropriating its assets. That case is on a fast track, with depositions underway and a hearing on a motion for preliminary injunction set for April 1.

"The University and its Board of Trustees should be ashamed at what they have done to Antioch College," said Borgersen, "but we will not let it die. The community, while saddened, is undaunted, committed, and most of all, passionate about Antioch and its future. Nonstop Antioch is just that—Antioch College for our time, and Antioch College for all time."

Since the University Board of Trustees announced the suspension of operations in June 2007, alumni across the country have rallied to their alma mater's defense. Alumni chapters have grown worldwide. The Alumni Board is continuing with its fundraising and planning efforts. For additional information on the Antioch College Alumni Association and the College Revival Fund, visit the Antioch College Alumni Association web site, antiochians.org.

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