“Once you hear the details of victory, it is hard to distinguish it from a defeat” -Jean-Paul Sartre

Thewww.recordonline.org Record Volume 63 Issue 12 Thursday, November 8th 2007 Bittersweet Victory

The Yes banner from the Collaboration Creation and Performance Class hangs down in front of the Union Inside Photo by Alex Borowicz Special Issue BOT “officially rescinds the suspension state of mind and only for part of the as- Community Voices: Suspension Lifted, of operations of Antioch College.” The sembled crowd. The critical queries and 22 Op/Eds and Let- announcement of decision caused an im- the answers that followed, revealed dis- ters from community Suspense Remains mediate outburst of cheers, happy-tears, crepancies, bullet-dodging and Bloch’s members and applause that could be heard from propensity to tip-toe from one safe stone By Eva Erickson outside the building. It was like popping to the next. AdCil takes Action on & Diana Starkweather a zit that had been festering on your fore- Many people questioned a statement p.12 Antioch’s campus was left a ghost town, head for a week. from the resolution that declares that last Saturday, as students filed in to a his- “The easy part is now finished. The dif- “Antioch College will accept qualified University mixes up torical community meeting in McGregor ficult part comes along,” proclaimed transfer students and will resume recruit- numbers on p.13 113. After impatiently waiting for a week, Steve Schwerner, Alumni Board member, ment of first year students when fiscally students, faculty, staff, and other com- former Dean and Antiochian since 1955. and academically feasible…” Currently, Do you recognize this munity members anxiously gathered in “There are a lot of details to be worked Antioch is not allowed to grant degrees faculty member? the one room on campus had signs of life, out. [But] it does not detract from the fact beyond December 31, 2008, due to a to hear Antioch’s fate after a week long that this is a historic moment.” mandate by the Ohio Board of Regents deliberation between College alumni and An audio recording of the Chan- (OBR), that followed the June decision. University trustees. cellor, Toni Murdock, chairman of the Recruiting students without first filing a After a quiet build up of suspense with University Board, Art Zucker, and Presi- petition with the OBR would be illegal, small interjections of applause, Andrzej dent of the Alumni Association, Nancy said Bloch. Bloch, the newly-dubbed interim presi- Crow, brought comic relief, as Zucker Find out our mystery fac- dent, announced that the Alumni Board announced his desire to be with us, and Continued on p.13 ulty of the week’s secret and the Board of Trustees had agreed Murdock declared, “We’re a little choked identity on p.17 upon a resolution in principle, and that the up.” Pure joy, however, was only a short Editors Editorials Kim-Jenna Jurriaans Jeanne Kay I wish I could celebrate. I wish I could parently not be recruiting an entering from the faculty but from the entire col- have called Bard College this week class for the upcoming year. Considering lege community in a referendum no later Our Beloved Staff thanking them for their patience but tell- that the graduating class for ‘08 is about than last month? Sally Alper ing them that I will never enrol, instead as big as half the current student popu- The worst in all this, is that the Uni- Culinary Expert of simply deferring again. I wish I could lation, it means that when I come back versity has done everything to protect have sent an email to my friends and next Fall, there’ll probably be less than itself from losing face, or being account- Alex Borowicz family back home that said “The good one hundred students on campus. What is able in any way. Instead of having to ex- Reporter/Photographer news is that you’re invited again to my the course catalogue going to look like? plain to the media, to Higher Education, Sarah Buckingham graduation ceremony in 2010. The bad What will breakfast in the Caf’ consist how they could possibly be dim-witted Reporter news is, it’s still in Ohio.” I wish I could of? I don’t want to imagine. How will enough to reject the Alumni Board’s have let my yellow balloon escape, I student morale, academic excellence, business plan, instead of having to ex- Paige Clifton-Steele wish the bell of main building had rung, and intellectual exchange be maintained plain to the world how they dare close Foreign Correspondant I wish I could have gone back to being a in these dimmed conditions? down Antioch College, they have now Levi Cowperthwaite normal student. I wish I could have felt Which brings us to the announced cuts crafted a system which absolves them of Sexpert relief. in faculty and staff. At this point, cutting responsibility in case of failure. Instead, I felt disappointed, betrayed, faculty is equivalent to closing down In these circumstances, how can we Eva Erickson disillusioned, frustrated, bitter. And whole departments. What excuse will not wonder whether we are being set up Reporter tired. I found myself, this weekend, in be given to students who cannot major for failure? A long, painful death, with Zach Gallant the situation I had found myself in last in the area of their choice because their all the appearances of a natural one. Political Correspondant June—the I-love-Antioch-but-I-still- faculty advisor has been laid off, and “We tried; we cooperated. But it failed need-to-graduate dilemma. their department consists merely of ad- on the other end, on the end of the cha- Ben Horlacher “You’re the most pessimistic person on juncts? And is it not deceitful to make otic alumni, the stuck in the 60s faculty, Layout Assistant the whole campus ” Rowan Kaiser ‘05 us current students stay today, in these the toxic students” That’s what the Uni- Alaa Jahshan told me. No, I’m just an Antioch student, circumstances? versity will be able to say, and get away Art Critic/Reporter and as an Antioch student I’ve learned And if we do, one day, start recruit- with it. to question authority, to re-examine, to ing new students, how appealing will Yes, this is a pessimistic view. I also be- Billy Joyce deconstruct, not to trust structures, and the “dimmed” version of Antioch be to lieve it is a realistic view of what could Reporter/ Editing Assistant not to believe in top-down processes. them? Who will apply to an agonizing happen if the community doesn’t take Kathryn Leahey That is why, when I read the Agreement college, that could re-suspend operations action. But I am already seeing this hap- Reviews in Principle between the Alumni Board at any time? And how will we recover pening. In true Antioch fashion, it has and the Board of Trustees, I cannot help from a downward spiral of declining en- not taken us more than a few days and Natalie Martin but seriously question whether I am ever rolments, and bring in tuition money to a couple glasses of Champagne to awak- ComCil Reporter going to be able to graduate from Anti- the college? en to the gravity of the situation and to Carl Reeverts och College. Will donors flock to contribute to such rise up, again, to the challenge. I am not Real World News The suspension is lifted, yes. But the an enterprise? How will they react to the only one to feel exhausted, burned contradictions between the intended the mixed messages sent by the Uni- out, betrayed, angry. We all deserved to Tommy Robertson message: “we want to rejuvenate the col- versity, who one side claims good faith, have the bell of North Tower ring, a real Reporter lege” and the content of the agreement but doesn’t wait a week before publicly celebration, and to go back to delightful Jessica Rapchik in principle are such that one cannot but deprecating our curriculum? What about normalcy (if Antioch life could every be Reporter wonder whether the sacrifices undertook promises of autonomy that have yet to be called that), to recover from the trauma during the negotiations were worth it. fulfilled, upon which pledges are condi- of the past few months. But no, it is not Miyuki Sese Let’s take the decision to “dim out tional? The continued operations of the over. The fight continues, and the com- Reporter operations”, for example. One might college are dependant on meeting very munity is empowering itself again, in Diana Starkweather wonder how that is possible considering specific fundraising targets. Is it still AdCil, in Community Meeting, in the Reporter that we are already running at minimal reasonable to believe that these targets pages of this week’s Record, hopefully operations with a student body of 200. can be reached when the Agreement in in alumni chapters all over the world and Yuko Tanaka Cutting student services? What student Principle empowers not a powerful, in- everywhere where our heart still throbs Reviews/Advertisement Manager services? Room and Board? Electricity? dependent, interim board of trustees, but when we think of our time at Antioch Bryan Utley Hot water? Chancellor Toni Murdock, who has not College. Political Correspondant Then there is the fact that we will ap- only received a vote of non confidence -JK Marysia Walcerz Mission Statement Advertising Policy Reporter/Reviews/Astral Seer To serve the information needs of the We welcome all inquires for advertising, but we reserve the right to make final community in a continuous fashion. To decisions regarding ad content. We will not censor any ads, regardless of Special Thanks provide all members of the community whether we, the editors, agree with the advertiser’s political affiliation or not. We Christian Feuerstein with access to their newspaper. To serve hold the belief that our readers have a sense of their own biases as well as a Matt Baya Tim Noble as a reliable instrument for recording the basic respect for each advertiser’s freedom of speech. All ads accepted will be Eric Ryerson Rowan Kaiser college’s history. To serve as a reliable in- run exactly as submitted. Please contact us with further inquiries. Rates available Jonathan Platt strument for education in civic and jour- Jean Gregorek upon request. & All staff members who stayed nalistic responsibility. up all night to help put this issue together 2 Contributors Editorials

An arrogance based on ignorance that they should. Breaking Point and a fundamental lack of self-crit- In an earlier Record article for- Lincoln Alpern ‘11 icism. For years the university has mer Dean of Faculty Ann Fillmyr’s Antioch shakes you to your core; it looked upon the college as somehow shared her recollection of a meet- Dan Shoemaker ‘92 breaks you and puts you back togeth- inferior, unable to balance its budget. ing with one of our trustees, Bruce er with pieces of the people around It is ironic that the university itself Bedford, in which he questioned the Ed Koziarski ‘97 you becoming part of you. That is can’t get their accounting straight as relevance of Antioch as an institu- what the past four months have felt proven by the million dollar report- tion that “only produces teachers and like for me. If anything diverts me ing error in the university budget this social workers.” Bedford headed the Carl Hyde ‘48 from the disappointment over the year. But even more worrying is the Board’s finance committee for years resolution that was meant to be the fact that no one on the board seems in a period that a number of former Priscilla Sansing ‘93 moment of relief and reward, then to have picked up on this when going trustees in interviews have referred it is holding on to the unexpected through the report that falls on their to as “hostile to the college.” I do not bonds I made since this summer. I do door mat a week before every board doubt the decency and good will that Rowan Kaiser ‘05 not feel relieved, I do feel rewarded. meeting. many of the members of the board But as the wider college commu- What about the university’s history bring to the job, but I cannot help but Bob Devine ‘67 nity is moving tighter together, the of broken promises to the college? ask “How is it possible that people university is drifting ever so steady On two occasions in the last ten years like Bedford, with so few of the val- away from its mother unit. Public the university promised major fund- ues of Antioch make it to such key Priscilla Klein Zink statements from the Alumni Board raising campaigns to support the col- positions in our institution?” ‘63 and Board of Trustees highlight in- lege implementing program changes. It is these and many other reasons tense collaboration, but actions speak While holding the college respon- that lead me to believe that getting louder, and they shout contradiction. sible for reaching sexy benchmarks, the hell away from this board and the Mary McCubbin ‘75 Collaboration to Antiochians means the Board of Trustees itself did not university it serves is the only way give and take in good faith, with hold itself to its own goals. It did not forward for Antioch College. Mary StClair ‘10 a level of risk on both sides. The adequately fund development and We once again married into a condi- agreement that lies before us does when the campaigns stalled, rather, tion that does not allow us to flour- they claimed it was the fault of the ish, that sets us up for failure and it Steve Mooser, ‘72 not show any risk-taking on the part of the university, which takes what alumni of the college that were sim- is up to us to break out of it. We are good can be gained from the revival, ply not willing to give. indeed not done yet. We are fighting Louise Smith ‘77 but stifles the college’s ability to suc- I was astounded when I sat in the an arrogant force. ceed in the mission that started the office of the Antioch University The nice thing about arrogance CFO, Tom Faecke, a week ago and is that it tends to come with under- Michael Casselli ‘87 movement. The statements made by MaryLou he straight out told me he couldn’t estimating the people around you. LaPierre in this week’s “Inside High- answer any questions regarding the Regardless of at least 500 alumni at Shalom Gorewitz ‘70 er Education” about the Antioch Col- Board’s promise to float the college Reunion, $18 million in 125 days, re- lege curriculum do not attest to good through five years of the Renewal gardless of antiochians.org and The Mike Brower ‘55 faith on the side of the university. Plan, because he “wasn’t there at the Antioch Papers, this University con- They are a disgraceful stab in the time” and “didn’t know about a Re- tinues to underestimate the combined back to the mother that was pushed newal Plan when I started working force of those with roots at Antioch Ted Goertzel ‘64 to the ground by its drunk child, here.” College. which then lend a slippery hand as if It is this sort of setup for failure that The chancellor condescendingly in Niko Kowell ‘08 helping her to get back up. seems to be reflected in the current AdCil calling Antioch alumni “cha- Instead of taking responsibility for resolution. It is saying “we work with otic” only shows her own ignorance. a select group of officials leading it you,” and it is asking to “just trust Antiochians thrive in chaos. They Victoria Hochberg ‘64 astray from the needs of the mother us.” How can you ask for trust if you share an almost naïve believe in their institution, the university trustees are have not given us reason to trust you? own abilities to change the status quo Iris Valenti ‘75 protecting themselves on all sides When you present us with an agree- for the better based on the values that and putting all responsibility for suc- ment that does not show any trust in this institution has given them. They cess or failure of the revival on the us? There is no real investment, no know the value of conservation, but Ryan Boasi ‘08 College and its alumni. It shows the commitment and no self-reflection. It they also know when it’s time to university’s fear of chaos, fear of the is easy to say you’re committed, but break things and rebuild, and come Jude Demers ‘97 tiniest instability. And ultimately it there is no real investment unless you out stronger on the other side. After shows a lack of belief in their own break a little and take a piece of the all, they themselves have been bro- abilities; the ability to rise out of other side and let it be part of you. ken many times before. Joni Rabinowitz, ‘64 chaos and to make it back out of ad- Recent actions of the university versity based on one’s own merit no and board have led me to question -KJ matter what. that they want to be a part of mother But above all it attests to arrogance. Antioch and it has led me to question 3 have refused to be accountable for their actions. Denial I think that getting the Trustees to NovemberOp/Eds 5, 2007 & Letters inspires little confidence; a show of humility might help agree to lift the suspension is a great (Guy Fawkes Day) restore some credibility. Failing that, a change of leader- victory, and one that should not be ship in the UBoTs and ULC would signal a new begin- downplayed. True, it’s not over yet. For the sake of all current Antioch students, I am ning, both to alumni and the world at large. Perhaps the best way to articulate our pleased to hear that the planned suspension of operations One reason alumni succeeded in raising money where situation is that we’ve cleared the first has been lifted. However, as an alum, I am deeply disap- the University had not is this: we alumni do not have hurdle. But it’s also the hurdle we had pointed with the bargain that has been struck between faith in the University. The Trustees need not take this to clear before we can get to any of the my elected Alumni Board representatives and the Anti- personally, as it is a long-standing problem: the decline other hurdles. och University Board of Trustees. of the College began with the inception of the Universi- As for the future of the college? I don’t ty. The money raised for the Revival Fund was solicited know. There are a lot of factors—such on the promise of an Antioch College that was indepen- as recruitment (a word I detest for its “When will we learn that treating with dent of the University. The current agreement does not military connotation, by the way), cur- the University is like courting the em- seem to make sufficient progress toward that goal. It will riculum, financial exigency, and where brace of a strangling vine?” take a lot of convincing for me to be able to contribute the power will go when the College has any more money to Antioch unless I am assured that the it’s own board—that could still cause us University is out of the picture and the College can chart serious trouble. As I see it, it all comes What’s wrong with this picture? Once again, the Uni- its own destiny. Alternatively, I have no philosophical down to how the Board of Trustees in- versity profits from the hard work of the College and qualms whatsoever about contributing funds to support tends to handle these issues. its community members. When will we learn that treat- the faculty lawsuit against the University. ing with the University is like courting the embrace of “But I’m also an optimist. I a strangling vine? Alumni have stepped up and worked “Thus far, the University has mostly think we’ll manage it, with hard to save Antioch College. This effort has involved more than simply raising money, although it is the money demonstrated its willingness to save the Trustees and despite the University is apparently most interested in. As a par- face and take credit for other people’s them” ticipant in the effort to save Antioch, I have networked with other alums (which has been a pleasure) and tried hard work.” In the best-case scenario, the Trustees to support the faculty, staff, and students who are pres- act in good faith, and it’s just a matter ently enduring hardships on campus. Alumni have devel- I have nothing but esteem and affection for those mem- of digging ourselves out of this hole oped business and recruitment plans, and have waged a bers of the Alumni Board I have met and worked with, we’ve found ourselves in. (And never campaign against the disinformation and misperceptions but I did not sign on to appease the egos of petty au- mind who put us there.) Not an easy about Antioch College perpetuated in the press. We have thorities or perpetuate the failed governance policies of task by any means, but then again, isn’t given testimony about the virtues and vitality of an An- the University. When are we going to get busy speak- the whole point of Antioch to challenge tioch College education, we have honored prize-winning ing truth to power? In the short term, the current crisis ourselves? alumni, we have hastily formed alumni chapters and has been caused by the leadership of the present Board In the worst-case scenario, the Trust- given precious time and money, and we have made art to of Trustees. In the long term, there has been a history ees act in bad faith, and this whole deal celebrate our alma mater. We have tried to exemplify the of difficulty with the governance structure between the has just been a scam to appease the ac- ethos of the legacies we inherited from Horace Mann, University and the College. In both cases, the Univer- tivists (and grab some extra cash for the Arthur Morgan, and Algo Henderson. sity is the problem. The alumni have demonstrated both University). In that case, the Board will the will and ability to rescue the College from the brink mess things up so badly that they’re “It will take a lot of convincing for me of disaster. Thus far, the University has mostly demon- “forced” to reinstate the suspension. In strated its willingness to save face and take credit for which case, I guess, we go through this to be able to contribute any more money other people’s hard work. I am still waiting for the Uni- whole thing all over again. to Antioch unless I am assured that the versity to demonstrate (in actions, not rhetoric) that they My own personal opinion is that the University is out of the picture” will work as hard to save Antioch College as the alumni reality of the situation sits somewhere and other stakeholders have worked. I understand that in-between. I think the Trustees, as a the Trustees are nervous about their financial liability, whole, want to keep the college open. Meanwhile, what have the Trustees or the University but if they can’t stand the heat, they should get out of They just have their own ideas about Leadership Council been doing to save Antioch College? the kitchen. The University Board of Trustees should the best way to do that, some of which Have they raised money? Have they answered any of the cede full control of the College to an autonomous Col- may not be as great ideas as they think questions posed by the AAUP about the legal and ethical lege Board of Trustees. If the University and College they are. matters surrounding the declaration of financial exigency have different goals (and even different ideas about what So yeah, I think we’re going to have and the revoking of tenure? Have they taken any respon- counts as education), then it is time for the two institu- even more trouble than is strictly nec- sibility for the disastrous consequences of their previous tions to separate. essary at this point in getting Antioch bad decisions (i.e. the precipitous drop in enrollment re- turned around. But I’m also an optimist. sulting from the Renewal Plan)? Have they taken steps Sincerely, I think we’ll manage it, with the Trust- to rectify the questionable accounting practices that keep ees and despite them. And once we’ve the College at a disadvantage? Have they acknowledged Dan C. Shoemaker, Ph.D. done that, we should not be ashamed to the votes of No Confidence in the Chancellor? Have die, for we shall know that we have al- Antioch College Class of 1992 they been honest and respectful in their conduct toward ready won a victory for humanity. community members, and advanced these standards of behavior in others? We know the answers to these ques- Lincoln Alpern, 1st Year Student tions. At every turn, the Trustees and University admin- istration have insisted on the prerogatives of power, but 4 Fight Our Own Battles Op/Edsup and academic programs & are improved. Letters ‘We need acting on your behalf, what is it that you need? to take a look at the curriculum, with some concern How would you allocate the college’s still-scarce that the curriculum is not attractive enough to at- resources? Is it really possible to cut deeper into Thanks to the historic Nov. 2 agreement between tract enough students,’ she said. Time will be need- the curriculum and into student services, and keep the Antioch College Alumni Board and the Antioch ed to plan those changes and for ‘market testing,’ things working? Don’t let any of us forget how University Board of Trustees, the Alumni Board is LaPierre said. While she said she didn’t know how these decisions affect you. It’s your fight most of now an official part of the college’s power struc- long it would take to be able to recruit freshmen, all. The college is your home, and your future. In- ture. That’s a very good thing. The college has she said that it would be impossible this fall.” terim President Andrzej Bloch commended you for desperately needed someone with real authority in being well-behaved during the negotiations. But its corner these past years, as it has weathered ne- I hope you won’t let them dismantle your school. glect, autocratic mismanagement, and the bleeding “What a deal for the University ad- You don’t need a lawyer to stop an unjustified de- of its resources, at the hands of the University ad- ministration and trustees!” molition, if you know what I mean. ministration and Board of Trustees. Now that the Alumni Board has bought its $18 million place at the table, the fox will no longer be guarding the Lifting the suspension has bought us some time, “We have to be ready to enforce henhouse. But the Alumni Board made some seri- but we have to fight hard or they will kill the col- those demands as necessary, in the ous concessions to persuade the trustees to lift the lege by slow suffocation. The Alumni Board, in its suspension of operations. newly official position, may be unable or unwill- courts, in the press, with our dollars, ing to take the firm, aggressive stance necessary to and with direct action if it comes to challenge those who remain intent on dismantling “Lifting the suspension has bought the college, its faculty, its staff and its infrastruc- that.” us some time, but we have to fight ture. The Alumni Board is doing the diplomacy hard or they will kill the college by and making the compromises that they believe are needed to keep the Board of Trustees at the table. This is an opportunity for a renaissance of An- slow suffocation. “ We can’t rely on the Alumni Board to be on the tioch College that preserves its radical values and forefront of calling out the University on its abuses its people while returning the school to its rightful What a deal for the University administration and and demanding swift, decisive solutions. That’s up place of prominence in the cultural landscape. But trustees! They get handed an $18 million bailout to the rest of us. we can’t expect anyone, even the Alumni Board, to offset their own fundraising failures, and they In the wake of the highly conditional victory that to fight our battles for us. I think there are still still need not take responsibility for the devastat- the Alumni Board has won, I believe a coalition is financial details to uncover that could help shift ing blow they struck against the college by declar- coalescing, of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the balance of the debate over the college’s future. ing financial exigency and suspension. We didn’t Yellow Springs residents who do not accept that We all need to find the students we know are out make a mistake, Board of Trustees chair Art Zucker the terms of the Agreement are the best that we can there who belong at Antioch, and get them in the insists at every turn, “the circumstances changed.” do. We have to be united and resolute in making door. We need to make sure that the students, staff The college and its allies are now left to undo the our demands for the defense of the college and its and faculty who are living through this struggle are damage done by the suspension: to accreditation, integrity, and we have to be ready to enforce those treated with the respect they deserve. We need to enrollment, public image, and morale. Meanwhile demands as necessary, in the courts, in the press, keep telling our stories, in mainstream and grass- the University continues to make statements that with our dollars, and with direct action if it comes roots media. We need to stay engaged in the offi- undermine the college’s credibility, like this one, to that. cial process, and make sure that promises are kept, from the Nov. 5 Inside Higher Ed: The impression I’ve gotten from the handful of and offer our own creative solutions. I’m thrilled “Mary Lou LaPierre, vice chancellor and chief students I’ve talked to, is that while you’re grateful to be a part of it. spokeswoman for the university administration, for the efforts of the Revival, you feel disconnected said that the board believes it would be wrong to re- from the process and unsure how you can partici- Ed M. Koziarski ‘97 cruit new first-year students until facilities are fixed pate. I think you need to make it clear to all those [email protected]

To the Editor and the students: it is really just beginning. We need to do all we can it possible for you to recruit your younger sibs and to minimize the downsizing that the agreement en- friends still in high school. All of us can help in Along with the euphoria of knowing that our be- visions. We need to start on the upgrading of all the this effort. loved college will not die I have a feeling of great College buildings. That means that we, the alumni, I can imagine that high school seniors, reading respect and gratitude to the current students. You and all others who support Antioch College need to about the recent events at Antioch, may say to have been the kind of students that best represent keep raising money. This may include parents and themselves, “That sounds like a really exciting the ideals of Antioch. It is of great importance that grandparents of current students, even if they are place. That’s where I want to go!” you all came in September, even though you had no not alumni. That is what I hope. assurance that you could complete your education So keep doing all the wonderful things you are here. That fact, and your calm, mature presence “What happens now? The story is doing so well. We haven’t won the war yet, but we during the weekend of the board meeting played a are getting there. significant role in the outcome. not over. In fact it is really just be- Carl Hyde (Antioch ‘48) ginning.” “I have a feeling of great respect and gratitude to the current students” The acting president will need to convince the Ohio Board of Regents that we are now capable of a four-year education and that he can grant degrees What happens now? The story is not over. In fact beyond the end of December 2008. That will make

5 I can’t remember when I’ve been prouder of beingOp/Eds & Letters an Antiochian: proud of alumni who raised $18 mil- It Was Supposed to If we’d received this announcement then, these lion in 125 days, proud of students who refused to exact same resolutions and agreements, we’d bail when the going got iffy and the pipes got leaky. have had the explosion of joy we wanted. But we I am grateful to faculty who so espoused the values Make Me Cry had a week of anxiety, of paranoia, of just not of Horace Mann that they have hung in when sala- knowing what the fuck we were supposed to do ries were cut, when names were black-listed during It was supposed to be the culmination of ev- or how on earth we were supposed to feel. There Joe McCarthy’s rampage...and now, when tenure is erything we’ve worked for. It was supposed to was a hole where those emotions were supposed spelled “tenuous.” I bask in the reflected glory of be what I’ve given my life to for the last four to be. I couldn’t cry when the suspension was an- past Antiochians... Stephen Jay Gould, Coretta Scott months. It was supposed to be an explosion of nounced as lifted, I couldn’t even stand for the King, Eleanor Holmes Norton. Hey, I once grilled a joy, or a session of focused rage. It was supposed round of applause. hamburger in the C-Shop for Rod Serling and shared to make me cry. a chemistry class with Mario Capecchi! (I would Somehow, that was taken away. I don’t mean be delighted to sign autographs.) An anti-bumper lost. I mean taken. I have this feeling of some- “If we’d received this announce- sticker person at heart, my little Honda now sports a thing gone that should have been there. I had vi- ment then, these exact same reso- sticker that proclaims “I ‘Heart’ Antioch College.” sions of the bell ringing, hugging sessions with whomever could be hugged, of lying down in the lutions and agreements, we’d have horseshoe deliriously. had the explosion of joy we want- “Within hours, the objections and sus- ed” picions had begun to emerge...and al- “Somehow, that was taken away. I though they made good points, they don’t mean lost. I mean taken” At some point, I’ll devolve into nostalgia and may be premature” kitsch, into narrating what’s happened. Ahhh, I remember meeting you that day, we had no idea There is much that I regret. Immature below my Since I moved here, my primary focus was what was coming, what a fine job we did! That years, I did not march when we invaded Vietnam. building up for Homecoming weekend. Getting could have been after the tears, before the party. I did not understand civil rights. “What difference the signs ready and distributed. Inviting the alum- But no time for that, it’s all business. We have to does it really make what fountain they drink out of? ni. Preparing the community. I lived for the hour move fast into the power vacuum. I have to find where they sit in the bus?” (Until my date and I were we spent on the Stoop, waiting for information, an effective place for myself. Full speed ahead. refused service in a restaurant because we were a people-watching, distributing the nervous energy No time for release. mixed couple.) I graduated third from the bottom of to and from all those present who had made the It was supposed to make us cry. But they took my class and had to make up those grades before I pilgrimage to see the fate of their college. our tears. I guess making us determined will have even dared apply to graduate school. I was accepted to suffice. only because of the support of one professor (Dr. Bill “It was supposed to make us cry. John, who believed that nobody can be that hopeless!) and because of my Antioch degree. Some of us are But they took our tears. I guess Rowan Kaiser ‘05 really late bloomers! making us determined will have to I like to believe that I did eventually bloom because of my Antioch heritage. suffice” I desperately need our current crop of students to make up for my shortcomings. They cannot do this if I was surprised by my initial emotional response Antioch closes. Not understanding that Antioch was to the announcement that my alma mater was go- Of course I should be upset! Of in difficult straits financially, I stopped contributing ing to close. I was shocked and extremely upset. when I retired. Big mistake. Now I’m in, believ- I graduated from Antioch College almost 14 years course I should try and help to keep ing that even the modest contribution I can afford... ago, and I still consider my decision to transfer to it open! multiplied by tens of thousands of alumni...can make Antioch as one of the best decisions I ever made. a difference. When all of the hoop-la dies down, An- The fact that my school may cease to exist was just Those pictures are what really struck me. Even tioch will still be struggling against financial difficul- incredibly depressing. though it has been over a decade, I can still see ties. Anyway, understanding that ongoing financial myself there. I look at the current Antioch College support is critical to the survival of the values that “Still, I keep reading and watching Community and the thought that comes to mind shaped our lives, I am dedicated to spreading the guilt is... I’m STILL part of that community. What a around. and waiting (and pledging)” wonderful feeling! Of course I should be upset! I listened online to the whooping, hollaring, whis- Of course I should try and help to keep it open! I I haven’t been back in Yellow Springs since tles and applause that greeted the announcement that am so glad for Antioch College. Seeing so many my 10 year reunion, so, even though I attended the closing had been suspended. But within hours, members of my community coming together and the Pittsburgh alumni chapter meeting held a few the objections and suspicions had begun to emerge... making a difference is so inspiring. I was grateful months back, I have been wondering how rational and although they made good points, they may be Antioch existed when I went searching for some- my reaction was. Still, I keep reading and watch- premature. We were told that there is much to be place where I would get an excellent education... ing and waiting (and pledging). One of the most worked out. I have learned that it pays immeasurably both academically and socially... and I am over- recent emails forwarded to me was an article in the to first listen...and then listen some more. It is crucial joyed that it will continue to exist. Yellow Springs newspaper which included a bunch that we continue to air our questions and doubts, but Go Antioch! of photos of students marching and attending meet- let’s give the new plan a chance. It can always be Sincerely, ing to show support for keeping the school open. amended. Bethany Sansing Priscilla (Kip) Klein Zink, 1963 Class of ‘93 6 I am more than a little disappointed that contin-Op/Eds It seems to me that continued& financial Letters exigency erable governance issues, and without putting a ued financial exigency is a part of the agreement. provides the Board, and the University, with pow- strong administrative infrastructure in place at the The original declaration of financial exigency was er and control in this dynamic. The implications College, financial exigency serves to keep the Col- based on (a) rapidly declining enrollments (in of not lifting the financial exigency provide some lege weak. In spite of the considerable resources which the catch-22s for the College’s revival. First, the exi- that its alums and its endowment bring to bear, the Board played a major role), (b) large deficits (made gency makes it impossible to recruit new students College remains the dependent stepchild of the larger by Board policy with regard to depreciation -- the very thing that is needed to establish long University, without the real capacity to chart its and COLLEGE endowment growth), (c) projected term stability. Adhering to OBR and NCA stan- own future. The faculty cannot lead because the continuing decline in enrollment and revenue (cast dards, you can’t really recruit students to a pro- financial exigency puts them on notice. as pessimistically as possible), and (d) cash flow gram that may not be around for four years, and problems. the financial exigency circumstance clearly enun- “I am more than disappointed. The ciates the tentativeness of the College’s existence. criteria of financial exigency have “It seems to me that continued finan- Second, the continuation of exigency suspends not been clearly defined, nor have cial exigency provides the Board, tenure. The resolution says that “adjustments” will be necessary, and we can be fairly certain that the criteria for lifting exigency” and the University, with power and some faculty will be FIRED, regardless of tenure. control in this dynamic” Who will make those sorts of decisions? Will they I am more than disappointed. The criteria of involve the Antioch faculty, Administrative Coun- financial exigency have not been clearly defined, The Alumni Revival effort came up with $18 cil? (It’s worth noting that the faculty was not nor have the criteria for lifting exigency. It seems million in cash and pledges. The COLLEGE’s en- mentioned in the resolution and agreement except that the target keeps moving -- 20 million, 40 mil- dowment last year earned $3.4+ million (I would in terms of lion, 50 million, 100 million, and each time we guess that the College received $1.2m of that, downsizing.) Where will the cuts be made? What turn around, something new has been added to the with the remainder being booked as growth on the can we afford to lose? College’s indebtedness (e.g. a $1.4 million charge UNIVERSITY’s books). More students showed Third, financial exigency will make it more dif- was recently added to the College’s current bud- up for fall enrollment than had been anticipated, ficult to raise the sort of resources that are speci- get for “asbestos abatement” -- projects that were particularly since the Board had done such a fine fied in the agreement. Will my contribution to the done several budget years ago!) PR job in making it clear to the world that the Col- College’s revival get devoured by deficit funding? Further, we have no local process for even decid- lege would be closing. It would seem to me that Will it support a truly independent College? If the ing these matters; AdCil and the Faculty have been with $30 million in endowment, pledges of $18m Alumni Board is unable to raise the benchmark bypassed at every stage. I can only assume that re- in hand (accomplished miraculously in just 125 funding required by the agreement, and as a con- taining financial exigency is seen as a mechanism days), and the promise of a full-bore fundraising sequence, the closing of the College is once again for retaining control. effort among alums (conditioned on the indepen- imposed as of Dec. ‘08, what will become of the dence of the College), that the College would have money we’ve all contributed to the Revival of the Bob Devine ‘67, faculty member, alum and moved past financial exigency. College? former President Fourth, without addressing head-on the consid-

I’m probably the only student who saw Antioch president James am not saying that adjuncts are bad teach- Dixon (who started the off-campus centers that became elements I’m Scared ers, but for some, this is just a part time job, of Antioch University) walk to and from the main building to fire and for the other faculty; tenured faculty, then chancellor F.X. Shea in 1975. Students, concerned alumni, and I am aware that every person affiliated this is their career, what they are passionate faculty appealed to the trustees who met in the Antioch Inn dining with Antioch has their own worries about about, and it shows. room and decided to fire Dr. Dixon and reinstate Dr. Shea the future, but the following is coming from me, as a student. First let me ask the “What is happening to our ed- “I’m having a hard time trusting Toni Murdock question: What is happening to our educa- tion? Is this really what I signed up for? ucation? Is this really what I to provide the energy and leadership to lead the When I first came to Antioch, I got some signed up for?” rebirth of Antioch College” impressive statistics claiming that 99% of the students who apply for grad school or . Decades later, it’s clear that some of the “centers” evolved into medical school get accepted. I found the So, what is really important here? Are self-sustaining and vibrant educational institutions on their own. departments to be adequately staffed, with we keeping this college open because it is Others (including the Antioch School of Law) failed and folded. ample opportunities to grow, to learn, to a symbol, to maintain a “comfort zone?” It’s fine with me that there are learning places that share some of succeed. However, that original notion is Have we forgotten that we are here to the Antioch values with the school that started in Yellow Springs. I quickly disappearing, and I am scared. learn? I wonder, now, if this is even a prior- think it would be a tragedy to lose the original Antioch campus to Let me note that I love Antioch for the so- ity, maintaining a quality education. I hope attrition and perpetual budget cutting. cial atmosphere, for its activism, for its pro- so, for the sake of my future, and for yours. I’m having a hard time trusting Toni Murdoch to provide the en- gressiveness. However, that is not why I ergy and leadership to lead the rebirth of Antioch College; this lim- came. I came to get a quality education. I Mary St.Clair, 2nd year student its my ability to give of my time and treasure to help. I await further saved my dollars so that I could one day developments with interest. If the University and the College can get a degree that I am proud of, get pre- get it together to come up with a plan worthy of Antioch College, pared for graduate school, learn as much as I’ll be happy to contribute as much as I can. I could so that one day I could succeed in Mary L. McCubbin Class of 1975 whatever field I chose to pursue. I can see that the departments are shrinking. I am being taught by more and more adjuncts. I 7 Op/Eds & Letters Shit, where to start? The current situation has served To Antioch Students, to divide the community instead of bringing it together. The I am over at a conference in Europe and immersed in the duties of participating in that. I read amount of information/ disinformation has reached such a the NYTimes dispatch which indicated in part that after the initial euphoria among students last level that I feel overwhelmed in trying to determine where Saturday, there was concern because nothing in the “historic agreement” was firm and permanent exactly we are. Sure the school is staying open, but if we about the future of the college. There are multiple conditions, provisions and questions. are reading the Agreement and the Resolution co rectly, at what cost? There has to be a community-wide clarification “We are not turning back. Our commitment starts with you to make from the body that represented Antioch, the AB, as to what exactly the terms are. I also believe that the role of the AB sure you complete your undergraduate education at Antioch” must change, from being the self-appointed vanguard of this fight, to being a secondary player, helping to support the members of the community that are directly affected by Your reaction is completely understandable and logical. We (alumni) of our college have come the situation at the college. quite a ways since June in our determination to save the college. So have you in all that you have done to change the course set by the trustees. We are not turning back. Our commitment starts with you to make sure you complete your undergraduate education at Antioch. We will continue to pledge our life experience, academic expertise, and financial support to make that happen. “ I also believe that the role of the AB must Steve Mooser ‘72 change, from being the self-appointed van- guard of this fight, to being a secondary I’ve always depended on the kindness of versity for all intents and purposes. Frankly, I strangers. felt betrayed. I understand that we need to wait player” for the Ohio Board of Regents to give us the -Blanche Dubois go-ahead, and that we would be irresponsible to recruit students to a college where we could Since the announcement that we have been not deliver a good education, but to plan on not These are the faculty, the staff, and the students. It is given a reprieve from suspension, the theater recruiting means that we plan on not being who their lives that are directly affected by this crisis, not the department has been immersed and focused on we are. AB’s. We as alumni lose our alma mater, but these people the opening of “A Streetcar Named Desire” by on the ground, these people at the college lose their liveli- Tennessee Williams. All term, I have been struck hood, their careers, their stability and their lives that they “They wonder about the faculty: with the resonances between the play and our have built for so many years. Their voices must be heard, situation here. It started when John Fleming, are we up to the challenge? Are and their desires must be respected. Our relationship must the director, put out audition notices in which change and we must work together to foster this ailing in- we high enough quality? In the he crossed out the word ‘Streetcar” and wrote stitution, to help it to grow and flourish, but this will not the word “College” so that the poster read “ A words of Stanley Kowalski: “Let’s happen without the inclusion of those on the ground. College named Desire”. I thought about how Yes, I want an active role in the future of this college; my cut the re-bop!” Blanche is a lot like the college: fallen on hard dream has always been to one day come back to teach and times and in the midst of a hostile environment give back to Antioch what it gave to me, but I cannot see that does not fully understand her. But I’ve also ` At the end of ‘Streetcar’ Blanche goes crazy this happening without a respect for the people whose lives thought that the faculty, staff and students are a and is carted away. I do not want this fate for will be so radically effected by its failure. lot like Stella; devoted and pregnant with pos- myself. But in the shifting and unfolding real- Michael Casselli sibilities. And who would be Stanley? Watch- ties we are confronted with every day, I am be- Class of 1987 ing the play, I identify us all with Blanche and ginning to feel a little crazy. On the one hand, I wonder who are the strangers that we depend hear our own administrators, PR people, town- on? Alumni, the village of Yellow Springs and folk and alumni, say that they wonder about When I was somehow elected Editor of the Record (I think the larger higher education community have the faculty: are we up to the challenge? Are we it was spring, 69) many of the journalism students quit. My all expressed that they are rooting for us. The high enough quality? In the words of Stanley first act was to burn the paper at a meeting with staff, then alumni and town have made a valiant effort that Kowalski: “Let’s cut the re-bop!” Teaching at we reinvented it as a subjective gonzo broadside, continu- paid off with the news that the suspension was Antioch College this term has been rewarding. ously experimenting with form and function. News about lifted. My elation was short-lived. I feel privileged to work with the students and Antioch’s suspension was particularly upsetting As I listened to the list of conditions in Satur- excellent colleagues I have here. In the theater, at a time when alternatives are becoming more crucial, yet day’s Community Meeting, and as the days un- our production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” rare. I felt relieved hearing that the coalition that formed fold with new conditions and complications, I is one I feel proud, even though we have battled around supporting the regular operation of the YS campus wonder if these “strangers” would have been so leaky roofs, infestations of ants and raccoons had won a major victory. This should lead to even more kind if they knew all of the conditions that were and had our budget for instructional supplies support by alumni and friends who treasure the innovative placed on us in this “victory”-- that we could was cut by 42% this year. education experience offered by Antioch College not build on the inspiring narrative of a dedi- There is a spirit this term. People are doing cated community saving a precious resource, good work and I am proud of us. We are a ”A .-Shalom Gorewitz Undergraduate- 1967-70, Philosophy recruiting students with our story but that it College Named Desire”, and Communication Art Antioch University individual- was never planned to recruit students this year. ized graduate degree program- 1983-85, MA, Video Art I was particularly concerned about the town Louise Smith, ‘77 Professor of Theater and of Yellow Springs and wondered if the alumni alumna pledges would indeed come in given that we are still very much under the thumb of the uni-

8 When I startedOp/Eds following events & This is not Letters a response to the lifting of This is just part of the knowledge I will Observations on the WEB and posting to the anti- the suspension. While I believe that this take from Antioch. ochians.org discussion list, I found I is an incredible move forward I consider This space is especially important to was in a minority, although several important to reflect on exactly what An- me because I chose to hormonally alter on Antioch people emailed me privately to say tioch is so important to preserve. This is my body to look more male, or “tran- November 7, 2007 they agreed. I was more bothered part of my Antioch love story. sition,” about 2 years ago. It’s with the by the tone of the discussion than I entered Antioch a nervous, excited, Antiochain values that I embarked on the content. Several people were and ambitious queer woman and will this journey of many questions and pos- nasty and insulting and proud of it. leave Antioch as a queer trans boy excit- sibilities. Numerous possibilities scared When I attended Antioch from Even the reasonable people seemed ed to tackle the challenges of the world. me about my potential transition. I was 1959 to 1964, it was a vibrant, convinced there was nothing much Antioch has made me tough, unafraid, afraid I’d lose myself in the process or bustling campus known for politi- wrong with the College, everything realistic, full of hope, committed to my become the epitome of what I despised cal activism, although only about was the fault of the Board and the community, and ashamed to die before I as a lesbian feminist: a straight guy, and 50 of us on each division actually University. win a victory for humanity. in particular a “dude.” I felt I would be went to meetings and demonstra- This strategy seems to have worked Antioch has been my constant support. seen as entirely male and that any physi- tions. I went to Columbus to protest for fund raising. The alumni cam- My family here has been unconditional. cal quality of my trans identity would the blockade of Cuba, to Selma to paign was much more successful We engage in tough dialogue and move no longer be apparent. I was afraid my march for civil rights, and to Wright than I thought it would be. And the forward, not back. This community has queerness, feminism, and life history Patterson air force base to protest Alumni Board seems to be working made me a better person. It has made would be erased. militarism. I was arrested right in out its differences with the Univer- aware of many different personal pow- How could one remain consistent and Yellow Springs for protesting seg- sity Board. I commend both Boards ers, qualities and values, both the good aware through such a dramatic shift? regation at Gegner’s barber shop, for their patience. and bad. It was the question I most often asked and spent the night in jail in Xenia. At this point, it may be possible myself as I started this process. The An- to focus on College issues. I think tiochian values of critical analysis and “Bootcamp for the rev- the college needs to clearly define “Antioch has been my con- constant dialogue are what supported its “niche” in American higher edu- me in this effort. I examined events as olution” is dated, but cation. An article in last Sunday’s stant support. My family here they changed based on my perceived maybe the slogan can be New York Times described it as has been unconditional” gender. This time I was seeing the ter- modernized” “known for its alternative life styles rifying truths of sexism and racism as and student driven education.” This a “white man.” It is simply bewilder- ing to gain male privilege and straight My FBI file reports that Police isn’t bad; there aren’t too many col- I needed to know and hear this. I need- passing privilege when you’ve live as a Chief James McGee told the FBI leges in that niche. But “alternative ed to think on this and recognize that I woman for 22 years, and a queer woman that I was a “very unreasonable life styles” can be interpreted in a will be growing and changing for the for 10. type person.” The picket in front of way that may scare away straight rest of my life. The process of recogniz- the Union on June 17, 1963, was to students, especially men. Maybe ing privilege requires a consistent ex- I feel so lucky to be at this amazing in- protest an FBI investigation of my a focus on “activism and social amination. We will all make mistakes, stitution, freshman hall advisor who had re- change” would be better. “Boot- but one must strive to be consciously fused to take an oath of allegiance camp for the revolution” is dated, and critically aware and an active par- niko kowell, 4th year student to the United States when inducted but maybe the slogan can be mod- ticipant in the community at all times. into the Army. Ironically, the in- ernized. vestigation worked to his benefit Another niche Antioch might fill day, and not to be melodramatic, I feel could be to start an early college, because the FBI decided he wasn’t I was on an airplane. It was Fall, the battles of America are somehow for students of high school age who loyal and the Army exempted him early 1960’s. We had taken off from embedded in this small heartland com- are ready to start college. Both of from service. New York’s LaGuardia Airport and munity. I take the lessons learned at my children went to Bard College I pretty much gave up on Antioch the concrete city with shimmering riv- Antioch with me, like some DNA you at Simon’s Rock to get out of high after all the publicity about sexual ers moved quickly behind us. We rose simply can’t shake. Ideas of social jus- school early. Now my oldest grand- relationships. It was too Orwellian into the fog-- a world of white, an aus- tice, practical but considered thought, son is there and it is quite vibrant to defend, so I just stopped mention- picious beginning for a new student. optimism that we are a country that can and successful. Antioch University ing that I’d gone to Antioch. But I When we descended, the earth was a do the right thing, and a belief that these has an early college in Seattle, for happened to be in Ohio last June for quilt of browns and greens, and then, central ideas that make us who we are, Native American students, but I my wife’s high school reunion, so closer, spotted with... oh my god, there will survive long into the future. don’t know of one in the Midwest. I came to Antioch for what turned are COWS near the runway. We are the sleeping dragon of Antioch out to be the big blow-up over the It could be marketed to young peo- Alumni. And we have woken up. suspension of the College. ple seeking an alternative to the I was dismayed by the spectacle of typical high school life style. “We are the sleeping dragon Victoria Hochberg ‘64 the alumni venting their anger and Antioch needs a new project, of Antioch Alumni. And we frustration at the University Board something other than “back to the good old days.” The good old days have woken up” members who I thought were try- ing to deal realistically with a dif- were progressive for their time, but those days are past. ficult situation. Most of the alumni That was my first glimpse of Ohio, seemed convinced, however, that By Ted Goertzel ‘64 [email protected] and soon after, the red brick Civil War the Board had deliberately screwed spires of Antioch College. Still, to this the College. 9 This world needs Antioch graduates now moreOp/Eds than ever – thanks & to all who Letters fought so hard to keep the doors open! -Iris Valanti ‘75 You’re Doing It Wrong at Antioch and paying tuition. It doesn’t mean just standing up for the things you believe in. It “Just being here” is not productive and does means dying a little bit for your ideals and not not qualify you as a contributor to anything To my fellow students, just actualizing yourself, but also achieving except to your own education or personal Since the BoT decided to suspend the opera- your goals, whatever they may be. A certain growth. “Coming together” and “making the tion of the college this June, dedicated alumni, portion of the alumni, the faculty, the staff, and effort” are empty platitudes if they are not fol- faculty, staff and students have been abuzz a very small portion of the student population lowed up with action and results. To those who with activity and positive energy in an effort did just that in raising funds, drafting a busi- have done something: keep fighting. To the to do everything possible to save our home. ness plan, and raising awareness. rest, step up. Join phoneathon. Volunteer your Their efforts to protect the things they love free time in the caf or physical plant. here in Antioch have been historic, and evoke It’s either that or stop talking trash about other in me a sense of pride and distinction that no “Their efforts to protect the people’s hard work. Ivy League education could hope to offer. things they love here in Antioch Ryan Boasi, 4th year student In the last week, however, I have heard so many talk and act as though they have con- have been historic, and evoke in tributed to the lifting of the suspension, when me a sense of pride and distinc- all they’ve really done is pat each other on the back and “be there”. tion that no Ivy League education Being an Antiochian is more than just living could hope to offer.”

My name is Jude, Antioch College class To the Editor, volved—or will be involved -- in this process. of ‘97. Recently I was able to display some My feelings about the current state Same question about the current students. of my art work in the fishbowl in the student of affairs are very mixed. I applaud all the The college clearly needs a reorga- Union. It was part of the Antioch College people – on both boards and those on no board nization and re-direction. I hope people with prayer flags display set up by Louise Smith – for their tireless labors of love and gener- some knowledge in this arena have been en- and the Artist in Residence. Now I am grate- ous contributions, to bring us to this point. gaged. Keeping a person on the top who has ful to be an Antiochian. On the other hand, I’m very suspi- been the source of so many people’s anger is This evening I was reading the bios of note- cious. The same people seem to still be in clearly problematic at this point. worthy alumni I retrieved from the alumni charge. The same ones who have ripped us office in Weston during the time we were off for years. I see people who don’t identify “I learned that, in sum, finan- supposed to have received the decision to with our traditions, and who want to destroy lift the suspension. Better late than never. Is the college, still holding the bulk of the pow- cial exigency means you have it anticlimactic to have the decision a week er. the right to fire tenured faculty. after we were led to believe we would have This is not a very collegial way one when we were all here, before alumni “I’m very suspicious. The same and media went home to New York, LA and to begin a new relationship” Chicago and others places? people seem to still be in charge. Antioch College and its humanitarian, en- The same ones who have ripped vironmentalist, civil rights workers, animal Now we need to hire a president rights advocates, so on and so forth, continue us off for years.” with clear powers and allow a fair role for to be amongst a community of the most re- all the stakeholders in crafting a budget and Financial exigency was a foreign sponsible, accountable, caring, and peaceful determining priorities. term to me until recently. So when I did a artists, scientists, and people of every walk I look forward to the next steps. quick review of the definition of the phrase of life that I have ever met. I praise God I learned that, in sum, financial exigency for Antioch College. I thank the Great Spirit means you have the right to fire tenured fac- that Antioch College has stayed open. I bow Joni Rabinowitz, class of 64 ulty. This is not a very collegial way to begin down to the Buddha nature in you all. A community organizer in Pitts- a new relationship. No suprise, then, that fac- The Time Is Now. Carpe Diem. Let’s stand burgh, PA ulty are mistrustful. up for the cause of racial equality, peace, In fairness, I haven’t had to time read GLBT and women’s rights, the environment, all the material that’s come out over the past and animal rights, together forever. four to five months. Nor have I studied, thor- oughly, the latest set of documents. However, Jude Demers ‘97 I wonder to what extent faculty has been in-

10 Op/Edsin our Alumni Chapters. & And understand Letters that you rest of the world. I am writing a book about this.) Antioch’s Near Death and have not paid the full cost of your Antioch years, 8. Celebrations are in order. There is a lot of work Revival as a so you have a large accumulated debt to repay to ahead, there is still a lot of room for disagreements Antioch over the years ahead. and difficulties. But even if incomplete, we have Learning Experience 5. Give up the “Blame Game.” For Antioch’s de- won a significant victory for Antioch, and therefore cline there is plenty of blame to go around, from for Humanity. We should now celebrate together. Antioch College is based on both classroom and decades past, for everybody. Huge mistakes were Why? A day without celebrating something, with- real world learning. Let’s look at our recent Near- made, by many, for 35 years or more. But blam- out some moments of joy, without laughter, is a day Death and Revival asking What happened? What ing individuals does not recruit or mobilize anyone, wasted! did and didn’t work? What could we learn? Here for anything, since it creates only negative energy. 9. Next, we must get back to work. Here are some are my own 12 learning areas. Effective organizing depends on giving up the emo- really urgent issues. We must find a way together- tional surge of the blame game. Instead, create a Faculty, Administration, Alums, and Trustees— 1. Organizing, not blaming. What worked was not postive vision we can unite around and then find a to make sure that the Ohio Board of Regents and complaining and blaming, but lots of organizing common path towards that vision. This helps cre- the North Central Association quickly recognize and dialogue with help from everybody – Faculty, ate mutual appreciation, shared values, and actions Antioch College as again a viable College worthy Students, Alums, AND from the majority of Trust- that we can agree on. And it is more effective and of continuing to grant degrees long beyond 12/08. ees, who, believe it or not, really do want Antioch more fun! This should pave the way for accepting and recruit- College to survive, be healthy, and thrive. Lesson? ing not only transfers, but also new Freshmen in Involve, don’t blame. September 2008, which is the best way to re-build 2. Loyalty, Passion, Eloquence, AND Civility. The “Let’s all learn how to be good at Antioch quickly. Lesson: Celebrate? Yes. But then students who came to the special Trustees meeting then get back to work. The job, if important, is nev- at the end of August, including 3 new Freshmen, did many things: learning, scholarship, er finished! a magnificent job of showing Trustees that current organizing for social justice, build- 10. Preserve our present curriculum AND start students are passionate and eloquent in their love planning new programs. Working together – faculty, for Antioch – and are also polite and civil. And CG ing healthy organizations, AND fund students, Alumni, and Trustees -- we need to both leaders led the open session with calm experienced raising too!” preserve the best of the current curriculum AND leadership skills. The Trustees were deeply im- slowly build on it to include new progams, new pressed and happily surprised, since some of them courses, new learning experiences which will again were fearing angry attacks. To the current Antioch 6. Those who make mistakes are not therefore bad put Antioch College on the forefront of Higher students: you proved again that you are awesome! or evil. We all make mistakes (write and ask me Education, preparing us to “Win Victories for Hu- You helped save our College. Lessons for the fu- about mine!), so those who make mistakes should manity” (AND “Victories for our Planet Earth”) for ture? Organize and speak up. Be passionate and not be accused of being the “bad guys” with “us” another 150 years. This is not either-or, with our eloquent AND also courteous. being “the good guys.” We Americans have long choosing between our present high quality curricu- 3. Antioch faculty are also awesome. The above lived in a sort of bi-polarizing culture, as in: “We lum, or some whole new curriculum design, which statements are also true of our faculty. At Antioch are right, you are wrong!” “You’re either for us or some argue for. Rather, it should be Both-And. 50+ years ago I thought our faculty were the best against us.” “It is good v. evil, and WE are good!” The best of the past and present, plus some creative teachers in the country. That is still true today. We “It is a win-lose game, and WE are going to be the exciting new developments, which I call the “Re- must organize and fight to protect tenure and to keep winners and You are going to be the losers.” To generation of Antioch.” Lesson: Make it both-and, as many present faculty as possible – and also ex- succeed in complex situations, we must learn to NOT either-or. pand our curriculum breadth and faculty depth. The give up this immature and destructive way of see- 11. Work with our Allies in the educational world. Trustees should meet our faculty, as I have in recent ing the world. We should look for what we have in Our Alums active in other educational institutions weeks. Lessons: When we rebuild and regenerate common, for common paths forward, for how we and organizations report strong outpourings of sup- organizations, don’t throw away, but build on, the can create together ‘win-win” games and causes. port for Antioch and offers to help. Larger lesson: best of what we already have. Last month we have saved Antioch precisely be- When organizing something, reach out to those in 4. Alumni should be organized, involved, and uti- cause the leaders of the Alumni Board and of the other organizatons that have, or might have, similar lized, not ignored. Antioch has traditionally ignored Trustees came together and adopted this philosophy interests, values, and priorities to see if they could its Alums, taking them for granted, not involving or of seeking common values, common causes, and help. organizing them, and then being surprised when only common agreements. 12. Fund raising must proceed and succeed at an 1/5 or so donate to Antioch. Never again! Alumni 7. Sometimes, the Structure is to blame. Instead accelerated pace. We must bring in unprecedented are now organizing Chapters around the world (now of blaming individuals, we should blame, and are millions to support current faculty and staff and over 40 and more to come), to keep informed and now blaming, the governance structure, as Steve student services, and to enable a whole new level involved and to help– and have Antioch-related fun! Lawry taught us to do. We have argued, and the of outreach and recruitment efforts. We need about Alumni can be helpful to Antioch in many ways, in- Trustees now agree, that Antioch College and all the $80-$100 million in the next 4-5 years. THEN I cluding: outreach to high schools and with student other campuses should each have their own separate think we should go on to raise a really solid endow- recruitment, offering experienced unpaid teaching Board of Trustees. We have this agreement in Prin- ment of $500 million in another 10 years or less! help to our overworked faculty in areas of tempo- ciple, but we still have lots of work to do to reach Let’s all learn how to be good at many things: learn- rary needs, helping create and find co-op jobs and agreement on the proper division of powers and re- ing, scholarship, organizing for social justice, build- helping students on those jobs, spreading the word sponsibilities. Lesson: When troubles are wide and ing healthy organizations, AND fund raising too! through media and personal contacts of Antioch’s deep and long lasting, blame the structure, not the If you agree or disagree with any of these ideas, I regeneration and health. And, of course in fund rais- individuals. would be pleased to hear from you. ing. Lessons? Whatever you are organizing, utilize (Personal note: we have massive national struc- your strong unpaid supporters! PS to all graduat- tural problems that are undermining our democracy, – Michael Brower ’55. Member, Alumni ing seniors: You become an Alum the minute you our willingness to use peaceful methods instead of Board and Chair, Chapters Committee. graduate. Don’t forget that – we need you active warfare, and our ability to live in harmony with the [email protected]. 11 Non-Stop AdCil: AdCil Steps Up to Launch Antioch Reconstruction By Jeanne Kay Community Events Manager Rory Adams- Financial Exigency Cheatham pointed out the lack of admission staff “AdCil has a moral, legal, institutional responsi- “If we have financial exigency we need to deal that could at least accept applications and answer bility,” proclaimed Faculty member Hassan Nejad with it yesterday,” quipped Nejad. Bloch argued the phone for questions. in Main Building conference room last Tuesday. that it would be the job of the college’s new Board “I don’t know who you think you’re kidding,” As AdCil met for the first time since the lifting of of Trustees to lift the financial exigency; he also em- said student member Julian Sharp, commenting the suspension of operations of Antioch College, phasized: “it is not up to me to define which condi- on the possibility that there would be no entering its members felt the responsibility incumbent upon tions need to be met.” Union Member Carol Braun class next year,“[students] will all leave if they’re them to take leadership in the reconstruction of underlined the contradiction according to which the the only students on campus, we are not considering the college. When the meeting finally adjourned, Personnel Policy says AdCil’s responsibility to deal the fact that everyone would be leaving.” at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, four resolutions had been with the financial exigency whereas the agreement passed and two committees created. set up by the Trustees says it is Toni Murdock’s pre- Resolution 1: AdCil is instructing the interim presi- rogative. Bloch clarified the situation by explaining Accreditation that if AdCil played a role in the abatement it didn’t “It seems to me that we’d go to the Ohio Board dent to revise and rewrite the contract letters that decide on the actual lifting of the exigency. of Regents with a plan to recruit,” said Mische, ar- were sent to faculty and staff ending their employ- Nejad put a motion on the table (see Resolution guing that a plan to recruit might make the college ment with the college due to the decision to sus- 1), to instruct the president to rewrite the contract seem more viable. letters and start the process of abating financial exi- Nejad put a motion on the table (see Resolution 3) pend operations at Antioch College by the Board gency. It was reinforced, the following day by Has- to urge the interim president to speed up the process of Trustees, and to immediately initiate a process san Rahmanian (see Resolution 4) who moved to by which the application would be completed and in consultation with AdCil to abate financial exi- instruct Bloch to present AdCil, the following week sent to the Board of Regents. with a plan for the abatement of financial exigency. Bloch said that he was aware that accreditation was gency Andrzej Bloch objected that a plan to deal with fi- “one of the most important issues to deal with” and nancial exigency was already presented to AdCil in promised he wouldn’t “spare any time.” Only one item was on the agenda of a historical, June, and that “the plan continues to be in place,” to He also warned that “Writing the petition is one triptych session of AdCil this week: “Discussion which Nejad replied “We had not part in that plan. thing, preparing for the questions that come after- of the process leading to the implementation of the Faculty member Eric Miller remarked that “any wards is another.” He also pointed out that“The Board of Trustees’ resolution to lift the suspension plan is subject to revisions,” and advocated for a Ohio Board of Regents may be very moved by the and the agreement between the Board of Trustees plan under which “the morality of it meets the legal- amount of pledges but unfortunately they will not and the Alumni Board,” yet no less than five hours ity of it.” take pledges as cash.” Alumni Board member Ellen of discussion—spread out throughout two days-- Borgersen contested this point, saying that “There’s were necessary to finally adjourn the meeting. a way to account for pledges that’s very well rec- “AdCil has much responsibility to this commu- Resolution 2: AdCil instructs the interim president ognized.” nity,” declared Faculty member Hassan Rahmanian, to immediately put in place a process to profession- “Suspension is lifted but we are facing more sus- Resolution 4: AdCil instructs the interim president pense now than last week.” The issues tackled in- ally staff Admissions and vigorously recruit first cluded faculty and staff contracts, accreditation, re- years and transfer students for fall to present a report to AdCil specifying terms, condi- cruitment, Financial Exigency, and retention. Much tions and process through which the financial exi- tension pervaded through Tuesday’s meeting, as “The point is that financial exigency is something gency will be lifted AdCil members struggled to urgently take concrete that cannot be dealt with in a short period of time,” action to guarantee the survival of the college “An- argued Bloch. LaPalombara said that what was re- Nejad inquired whether the information trans- drzej I cannot go to my class like this,” exclaimed quired was a “clarification of what happened and mitted to Ohio Board of Regents would be shared Rahmanian on Tuesday morning, “I [won’t] leave what we need to do to reverse that,” while Braun with AdCil. Bloch said that he wouldn’t go through this room until we’ve got something on paper.” The pleaded: “we need to know what it is so that we can AdCil but follow usual procedure, and “consult all tone of the following Wednesday meetings, howev- have a target… we may never come out if we don’t appropriate bodies,” including AdCil and the cur- er, was much more collaborative, as AdCil members have a target” riculum committee. took steps to empower AdCil at this crucial time in Alumni Board member Steve Schwerner told the history of the college. Bloch: “As an officer of the University you can ask Retention & Morale Toni and Art what are the exact criteria that need to “The morale of faculty is at an incredible low… Faculty and Staff Contracts be met to lift financial exigency, and that shouldn’t the students are thinking about transferring” diag- After Hassan Nejad inquired about the revision of be difficult to get by Monday.” nosed Mische. “The students don’t know if faculty the letters sent to faculty terminating their contracts Bloch pointed out that his position was difficult in two years will still be there, they don’t know if in June, Interim President Andrzej Bloch declared as “this damn lawsuit is part of the issue,” and ques- they want to be here,” said Braun. Student represen- that there was no reason to change the contract let- tions were raised as to whether a way to deal with fi- tative Emma Emmerich reiterated: “not knowing ters, as “Financial exigency was declared in June nancial exigency that didn’t have legal implications whether I’m going to have a professor in my major of this year; the contracts were issued on the condi- for the president could be found in order to install a is very very hard to handle.” tions of financial exigency. These conditions did not more productive dialog. Sharp directly asked Bloch: “Can first years grad- change.” uate?” The interim president answered that current Recruitment first years “will have the opportunity to graduate,” Faculty Member Patricia Mische declared that but that it was a “slight leap of faith” Kammler: “We’re all fired until not recruiting students is “saying that we are com- “I don’t believe this is a leap of faith,” commented we’re told otherwise?” mitting suicide by degree from above.” “What is a Sharp, “this is leadership.” college without students?” asked Nejad. Bloch: “Including myself.” When will we be able to recruit? When will we The Committees know when we’ll be able to recruit? These questions Andrzej Bloch, on Wednesday morning an- went around the AdCil table several times without nounced that the decision implied “two fundamen- Several AdCil members disagreed with this in- a clear answer being proposed in return. Bloch ex- tal changes: increase operations from zero to some terpretation. Faculty member Cathy LaPalombara plained that for legal reasons, we could not recruit level and recall faculty to service to offer the cur- remarked: “Financial Exigency would not neces- before getting accreditation and degree granting au- riculum…We will establish two communities who sarily mean that everyone loses their job.” Nejad thority from the Ohio Board of Regents and North will try to establish these issues,” in order to decide declared: “I would argue that the rewriting of the Central Association. how many faculty will be recalled and to prepare for letters is important because the letters were pre- OBR questions. pared for a different situation and these conditions Resolution 3: AdCil instructs the interim president to The creation of a new Budget committee, a Curric- have been modified” while Union Member Carol prepare as soon as possible a proposal in consultation ulum committee, and a Student services and physi- Braun denied the argument that the letters sent to with AdCil and the faculty to the Ohio Board of Re- cal plant committee; however only the charges for staff and faculty were based on anything other than the first two were drafted by Wednesday, the third the suspension of operations: “Financial Exigency gents and Northcentral, requesting the authority of one being delayed to upcoming weeks. Questions has nothing to do with our letters,” she said, “that Antioch College to grant credit and award degrees were raised about the possibility of having an alum- legally has no standing for us.” Bloch said that it nus seat on the curriculum committee, an issue that would be necessary to resort to the guidelines of the should be resolved in the next AdCil meeting. The Personnel Policy in order to proceed to the re-hiring Hassan Najad put a motion on the table (see Reso- nominations for the two committees should also be of faculty; “we intend to follow that process,” he lution 2) recommending that the president push for- concluded. ward the recruitment process. voted upon next week. 12 going into specific plans. “Now tury residential college,” became Suspension lifted, sus- would there be a reduction in fac- the center of more discussion, as ulty and staff? It most possibly community members wondered $ 1 Million pense remains continued would be. But there is a process what the definition of such a col- from p.1 in which we determine these deci- lege was, and if the continued ex- Error in sions.” According to the new in- istence of Antioch depended on terim president a plan to address this undefined term. “If our school In this petition the college will reductions “is to be developed.” is not a 21st century school, are University have to demonstrate that it can “This college is engaged in a our students being shortchanged?” provide new students a four-year pattern of being force-fed in top- the parent of a senior student in- Budget Goes curriculum and education as down models of power, put forth quired. “Are they getting the edu- promised and “adequate resources by the BOT and University Chan- cation that we’re sending them Unnoticed to offer the curriculum we claim cellor,” Pat Mische, Professor of here for?” to offer,” he explained. “They will Peace Studies, passionately pro- “What it means in English is By Kim-Jenna Jurriaans not give us permission to continue claimed. “I’m deeply troubled.” that some of our facilities need In its fall report presented to the granting degrees unless we dem- The result of such force feeding, work,” explained Alumni Board Board of Trustees this month, onstrate resources.” Mishe said, contributed to the col- member, Steve Schwerner, in an University accountants made a Chair of the governance com- lege’s downfall in admissions and attempt to demystify the term that $1 million error in the Univer- mittee of the Alumni Board, Ellen made her question the authority continues to put up red flags for sity cash flow projection for the Borgersen tried to ease concerns of those now controlling the col- the college community as it was academic year 2007-08. A closer of the sleeping dog that appeared lege’s future and finances. “Who a central part of the 2012 plan for look at the budget shown in the to have woken in the room: “Our decides financial exigency when the College that the University report, available on TheAnti- belief,” she said, “is that it won’t we already have a pledge of many presented at the now-infamous ochpapers.org, shows that in the be that difficult [to reverse the million dollars and more to come, alumni reunion in June. “That’s conversion from accrual to cash OBR’s decision]”,. but somebody else is going to de- no surprise to anybody who’s basis, the University mixed up There was continued apprehen- cide financial exigency? It sounds been here; it’s also no surprise at plus and minus and accounted sion about job stability, but Bloch to me like it’s still with the Board lots of other colleges.” a University wide deficit of $ could offer no assurances. He of Trustees, the University Board, While the announcement is a 3.430,146. In reality, the Univer- discussed constraints on the op- and the Chancellor’s office.” great achievement for the Col- sity had a projected $ 2,457,508 eration of the college, saying “If “This group will establish a lege, it is one success that needs cash shortage for this year. we have a curriculum we have to team that will plan the future,” to be followed by many more When asked to comment on have resources […], faculty, staff, Borgersen’ 72 assured. “It’s up to to reach self-sustainability. As Wednesday, Director of Finance facilities, material resources, that us to get the right people on the Schwerner observed, “The easy and Budget for the University, allow us to offer this curriculum team, including faculty and stu- part is keeping the college open. Virginia Dowse, talked of “an to students.” Since the college dents.” The much harder part is sustain- adding error” that did not have will remain open, there is need for The restructuring of the school ing the college, and building the an impact on decisions. “The a new budget, Bloch said, without into a “state-of-the-art 21st cen- college.” Board evaluates finances on a campus level, not on a Univer- sity level.” In answer to the question why non of the trustees, who usually receive the written report a week before every board meeting, did not pick up on the mistake, she explained that the page was not discussed at the last meeting. “If anyone would have looked at it,” she assured, “it would have been caught by somebody else.” Dowse underlined that the mat- ter was a “mistake” and that the projection was used for internal purposes only.

13 The Antioch Reviews

Notes from Mish’s Movies popular culture without malevolent spirits?) enter the house through television static and kidnap the adorable daughter of the house, Carol-Ann. The family calls in local spiritual me- Underground 25th Anniversary Rerelease of dium Tangina Barrons (Zelda Rubinstein), who pronounces By Kathryn Leahey the house clean after a lengthy fight with Spielberg’s wind Poltergeist machines. It’s a rather premature diagnosis, because there are two sequels, but neither of those are (hopefully) being rereleased any time soon. Sunset Rubdown By Marysia Walcerz The first time I watched Poltergeist it was with my hands Random Spirit Lover It was 25 years ago that Steven Spielberg and Texas before my eyes. And I won’t lie- I jumped more than once Chainsaw Massacre’s Tobe Hooper released Poltergeist on watching it again in a well-lit dorm room surrounded by an unsuspecting populace. And now, like the tagline on the people nigh these ten years later. Unfortunately, despite the For week two of our “Good Heavens Is Canadian Indie Rock sequels, “They’re baaaack!” The 25th Anniversary Edition surviving scare-factor, the 25th Anniversary Re-Release Ever Incestuous!” series, I’ve was released last week on a much more jaded audience, al- boasts few features to make it worth buying. We’ve got chosen a particularly lovely al- though to my experience, this film has held up its “jump- a half-hour long “They are Here: The Real World of Pol- bum released by Jagjaguwar a few weeks back. Appropriately, worthy” reputation perfectly well over the years. tergeists Revealed” documentary in two parts that’s more it was recorded by a band which The story -for those of you who somehow avoided being about the poltergeist phenomenon than the movie itself; is only 2°KB* away from last scared shitless by 80s era Spielberg special effects the first than there is the requisite digital sound and image quality week’s New Pornographers, as both the Pornos’ Dan Bejar and time around- is The Exorcist gone suburban. The Freelings remastering, and a shiny new blue cover. My advice is to Sunset Rubdown’s Spencer Krug are a normal Californian family who live in house which watch whatever copy you already own, and follow it with play for the brilliant mutual side- happens to be built on an Indian burial ground. The ma- an episode of Ghost Hunters. project Swan Lake. And, much like Bejar, two bands will simply levolent spirits (because really, what’s a burial ground in not suffice to keep Krug, who also performs with Wolf Parade and Frog Eyes, entertained. Unlike The New Pornographers, how- ever, no equivocation is even at- Why Haven’t You Read This Yet? temptable in the case of their new to be revisited time and time again. Saint-Exupéry addresses album. Random Spirit Lover has the reader as a confederate allied against the follies of the easily gained a stop on my list of The Little Prince adult world, and he has the reader exploring in the same way the top five albums of 2007 thus by Antoine de St Exupery our two main characters do. Our narrator is a pilot in a time far. when aviation was still an underdeveloped field and flying In this age of the super-hit was done mostly by instinct, a true adventurer (the author single and the iPod Shuffle, few was also a pilot). The little prince travels from his house- artists continue to record true al- sized asteroid to other asteroids and eventually to planet bums; not concept albums (con- Earth, exploring new worlds and learning much along the cept albums are only allowable if way. you are Pete Townshend, David One must explore in order to understand; Antoine de Saint- Bowie, Syd Barrett, or [maybe] Exupéry requires the same curiosity of his readers as his Colin Meloy) but albums in the characters to acquire a “true understanding” of the book. sense that Joni Mitchell’s Blue or The author idealizes the children’s world because children Patti Smith’s Horses or CSNY’s naturally possess the open-mindedness that allows them to So Far are albums. Some of the see what is essential and invisible to the eye. The narrator most critically acclaimed bands of laments that adults could never recognize the following pic- today put forth records with two ture for what it is: brilliant songs, 5 or 6 decent-to- “It was a picture of a boa constrictor digesting an elephant… good tracks, and a few losers, all Whenever I met [a grown-up] who seemed to me at all clear- without much thought to crafting a sighted, I tried the experiment of showing him my draw- cohesive whole, without viewing ing… I would try to find out, so, if this was a person of the album itself as a stand-alone By Yuko Tanaka true understanding. But, whoever it was, he, or she, would piece of art. Sunset Rubdown is always say: ‘That is a hat.’” The little prince is the first per- not one of those bands; Random “’And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only son he ever encounters that can see the picture for what it is. Spirit Lover is not one of those with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is in- Similarly, the prince asks the narrator to draw him a sheep albums. Krug writes in suites visible to the eye.’” The Little Prince is a children’s fable that and is only satisfied until he is given a picture of a box, be- that glide into each other in a way must be read with the heart, not the eye. On the surface it is a cause he can that can only be compared to old simple, charming, and beautifully written tale about a “little see the sheep inside of it. Only those who have not let them- jazz LPs, yet each song has its prince” from asteroid B-612 who visits Earth and teaches a selves grow up and go jaded can find “true understanding.” own distinct and eccentric nature. stranded pilot the importance of keeping his childhood per- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry captures the love, innocence, Each is a wholly Shuffle-worthy spective. But if readers use their imagination to examine the and wonder of a child’s world in this short fable that is, at tune. Krug’s song structures get book beyond surface messages, they will discover insightful its heart, a search for wisdom, perspective, and compassion. seemingly more complex with reflections on life, human nature, and relationships between As Tom Wolfe said, “he was the one who put it into words every new recording; new layers people that are extremely relevant to adults. most beautifully and anointed himself before the altar of the are apparent upon each listen to Read with heart and imagination, The Little Prince proves right stuff.” In a world where “serious matters” and “mat- a song. His lyrics are as dense its ability to surpass the boundaries of time, language, and ters of consequence” are infused with the grown-up need and hyperliterate as ever, always age. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry promotes the book’s univer- to control others, be admired, and own material things, the strangely beautiful and occa- sality with whimsical illustrations he drew himself, work- little prince believes that matters of consequence are those sionally vaguely distressing; his ing to communicate on the abstract level pictures achieve to of loving (called “taming” by a fox who teaches him about signature vocals pervasive and get the reader closer to a childhood perspective. Following love and life). The Little Prince represents many Antiochian oddly versatile. In short, while the fable format, characters are named by their archetypes, values like the importance of an open mind, the necessity 2006’s Shut Up I Am Dreaming making them widely relatable across cultures. The symbol- of constant questioning (“the little prince never let go of was an astonishing piece of work, ogy is humanly significant for anyone who has experienced a question, once he had asked it”), and social responsibil- a record entirely deserving the troubled love (the prince leaves his asteroid over the prob- ity (“you become responsible, forever, for what you have title “album of the year” that so lems he has tamed”). The book’s final image is of a lone star above the many bestowed upon it, Random with a flower he loves), the feeling of corruption (through desert, a star that represents the prince, that encourages us Spirit Lover easily outstrips its an invocation against baobab trees), or the need for spiritual to remember the quietly lingering force of innocence, love, predecessor. fulfillment (the narrator’s thirst for water, satisfied by a mag- curiosity, and wonder that can so easily be lost in the adult ical well). This book becomes more indispensable with age, world. as the hidden meanings unfold in new ways and reminds us 14*degrees of Kevin Bacon to stick to the right track. Reading The Little Prince is a journey, because it is a book The story is filled with powerful, occasionally Ideally, Stella would stand up for herself a bit more, “Streetcar” ’07 heart-wrenching emotion. The dialogue is rich, but you can’t have everything. with some real literary gems (and a few good jokes) The fourth member of the show’s main cast is masterfully inserted at just the right places. And the Harold “Mitch” Mitchell, Stanley’s friend and co- Leaves Nothing to play is populated with a cast of intriguing and very worker, who develops a romance with Blanche. believable, even ordinary, characters. Blanche, for Mitch is just an average Joe, a likeable guy with a Be Desired instance, played by Zoe Julich, is a character so romantic soul. complicated that no description I could give could Props for characterization cannot go just to the do her justice. author, however. The show’s stellar cast provide an By Lincoln Alpern The character Stanley would have been easy to absolutely breathtaking performance. If the play has The Antioch Theater’s performance of Tennessee write off as the villain, which in many ways he is. strong characters, powerful emotion, and scintillat- Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire opened this But for all its straightforwardness, his characteriza- ing dialogue, it is the cast who make them all come Wednesday, to rave review. tion defies such casual labeling. In the end, Stanley alive. I only wish I had time to praise each individu- I won’t attempt to discuss the play’s message or comes across as a flawed human being, who does al actor’s performance in detail. The worst criticism “deeper meaning,” for the simple reason that my flawed things for flawed reasons. I can level against them is a certain woodness in a mental diving gear is strictly shallow-water equip- While Blanche’s complexities, her strengths and few lines of dialogue—which, I might add, cleared ment. All I took in was what floated to me at surface her weaknesses, her determination and her sorrow up entirely by the beginning of the second act. level. Fortunately, that was more than enough. unquestionably steal the show (Stanley’s antago- The show’s crew also did a commendable job, A Streetcar Named Desire chronicles the story of nism takes a clear second) the greatest character is managing the stage, lights, and sound effects to add Blanche Dubois, a troubled young woman who Stella. The one caught in the middle, Stella puts up the proverbial icing to the cake. moves in with her married sister to get away with it with all Blanche’s and Stanley’s demands and oc- In short, the performance absolutely blows one all. Blanche’s sister Stella accepts her without ques- casional mistreatments with love and good grace. away. But don’t take my word for it. The show tion, but Blanche soon strikes sparks with Stella’s She has the strength both to transcend her sister’s plays Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 8 p.m. rough, suspicious husband, Stanley. and husband’s excesses, but also to forgive them. to approximately10:30p.m. Go see for yourself.

nouncement of the suspension being lifted, together college’s accreditation was intact, but as it stands Dispatches from with a coordinated media attack the college, would now the degree-granting ability runs out at the onset get an upswing of media attention. Taking into ac- of 2009. Community Meeting count the incredible grass roots pledge drive by While it is true that the college can’t recruit first- alumni that brought an alternative to the table and years until it has the go-ahead from the board of what the university is counting as a “historic mo- regents, Borgersen assured the college can recruit Antioch College, Celebrating 155 ment,” Goodney asked the question that was on ev- “qualified transfer students.” Years of Market Tested Toughness eryone’s mind: “Where is the good PR?” Director of Cafeteria Services, Marvin Bohn, in- Newly appointed interim President and long time formed the community that of the cuts in student administrator, Andrzej Bloch, said that institutional services promised by the resolution to lift the sus- By Billy Joyce advancement employee Risa Grimes has been out of pension, dining services might be counted as some It’s only just begun. Community Meeting was work recovering from surgery. He also said that it’s of the “fat.” Bohn said that the cafeteria’s refrig- charged with anger and uncertainty this week. With important that we “speak in one language.” erators and walk-in freezers have been health code the decision to lift the suspension of operations “Where’s Lynda?” graduating 2nd year Mariel violations for months now. The only reason they obliterating the past and only halfway tracing the Traiman asked. “Is she working on this?” haven’t been shut down is that the college was slat- future, distrust of the university’s minions and its Bloch said that she was doing routine tasks includ- ed to close. Now with the immediate need of new board of trustees runs high. ing mailings and sending out emails. fridges and freezers and their cost, Bohn speculated University Vice Chancellor and Spokesperson Associate Professor of Film and Communications, the Caf might get the axe. Then he walked out be- Mary Lou LaPierre jockeyed for Community Mem- Anne Bohlen, pointed out that, “Public relations is fore anyone could ask questions. ber of the Week honors this week by putting a heroic not doing a mailing,” while AdCil student member In other news, Community Members of the Week spin on this past weekend’s Board of Trustees deci- Julian Sharp talked about the need to be “facing the were Borgersen and Bloch, because they spent a lot sion to lift the suspension of operations. fact in this community: There’s a lot of distrust in of time trying to get the college to stay open, and LaPierre told a reporter from Inside Higher Ed that office.” they did. magazine what the board of trustees really thinks “That specific function [public relations] has been Operations Manager, Corri Frohlich ’07, and As- about the current state of Antioch College. The ar- lacking for quite awhile,” according to Associate sociate Professor of Photography, Dennie Eagle- ticle says LaPierre told the reporter, “The board be- Professor of Media Arts Chris Hill. “That function son ’71, presented the commencement committee lieves it would be wrong to recruit new first-year needs to be productive […] if we are going to move process to the community with a video of some students until facilities are fixed up and academic forward,” she said. highlight commencement speakers from the past programs are improved.” She then called the cur- Other talk in Pulse centered around the ability 15 years. The speakers included Bobby Seale, Amy riculum “not attractive enough to attract enough stu- to recruit a first-year class for Fall ’08. The college Goodman, Michael Moore, and Stephen Jay Gould dents,” and added that time was needed for “market right now is not recruiting. This is due to the lack ’63. The only speakers Antioch realy needs, though, testing.” of degree-granting ability designated by the Ohio are for multimedia presentations in McGregor 113; LaPierre’s statement to the press came up in Pulse Board of Regents, Borgersen expained. When the for the fifth time this term people had to hold their as did criticisms of Lynda Sirk, the freshly ap- university board of trustees declared the suspension breath to hear the audio. pointed special assistant to the COO –now interim of operations, the regents told the college it could The commencement committee will be accepting president– regarding institutional advancement and grant degrees until December 31, 2008. Without the recommendations for commencement speakers all public relations. proper paperwork filed to get the regents to change week. Email Corri with suggestions or look for a “Our view is that she (LaPierre) cannot speak for their mind, they can’t technically guarantee that an Antioch College,” said Alumni Board Governance box to slip a note in. incoming first-year would be able to obtain ade- Chair Ellen Borgersen. “Antioch College must have Next week: thank-yous, cil updates, CFB gree. Once the proper paperwork is filed recruitment its own spokesperson.” proposals, announcements, hopefully not will be an issue to deal with. Beth Goodney, a student ComCil representative, There was confusion over accreditation and de- trivia, and pulse. See you suckers there. asked about “the bounce:” the theory that the an- gree-granting ability. Borgersen clarified that the 15 Lust With Levi

Dear Levi B., try to give yourself a break. Buy yourself some flowers. Go sit under the sun lamp I haven’t been interested in sex lately. I in Wellness or take a walk on a sunny mean, normally, I’m a very horny wom- day. Talk to people who make you feel an, but for the last month or two, it’s like good and make you laugh. Talk to your things just aren’t happening at the right professors or John Smith in the ASC if time and my libido is on vacation. I’m you need help getting a handle on your really sad about it. What can I do? assignments. Remember that you’re do- ing the best that you can, and that it’s Sincerely, okay to save Antioch for, say, 12 hours a Horny Holiday day as opposed to 14. Perhaps you should make a date with a sex partners (or partners). Give yourself a Dear Horny Holiday, Saturday afternoon and evening off. Do things on your date that make you feel I think the first question you need to ask good: watch a funny movie, play Jenga, isn’t, “What can I do,” but, “Why is this running a million miles a minute with eat really good food, play pool, read happening?” There are many explana- to-do lists, guilt about other things you out loud, cook together, tell silly stories, tions, but often in a situation like yours, “should” be doing, whether or not Main dance like crazy. Allow yourself to relax the underlying cause is emotional or Building will be standing in the morn- and enjoy the break and the other per- psychological. I your question you say ing, and what you’d say to Toni Murdock son’s company. Hopefully happiness, that you’re sad about losing your libido, if only you had the chance. And even if relaxation, and playfulness will lead to but is it possible that you were sad be- you can get your brain to stop spinning some serious fooling around. fore your sex drive took a dive? Depres- like a gerbil on its wheel, you’re prob- If you’re still having trouble, you may sion, even mild depression or temporary ably exhausted at the end of the day want to talk to a counselor about what’s sadness, can really dampen your thrill from the work overload and the emo- on your mind. They can help you work for a midday romp. Maybe you received tional overload. Maybe you don’t have through issues and find a balance in your bad news from home, or you’re fighting the energy to do physical activity or to life so that you have the time and energy with your roommate, or the caf hasn’t be considerate of your partner(s), so it for sex. There are also some rare cases served your favorite cookies in a month. doesn’t seem worth it to try. of female “sexual dysfunction,” but it’s All of these things could be contributing How do you feel about yourself? Mo- a rather controversial diagnosis and the to a general sadness or bad mood that ments of low self-esteem can cause treatment is imperfect (often the use of leaves you feeling less than frisky. anyone to feel less than sexy. Did your drugs like Viagra are prescribed). How- Related to this is stress. I don’t need mother call you to tell you how disap- ever, if after trying everything else, you to tell you that Antiochians, across the pointed she is that you’re not going to feel like maybe there’s a physical barrier board, have barely been able to keep medical school and joining a San Fran- between you and your sex life, it might their heads above water in the endless cisco art collective instead as your post- be worth it to do a little internet research tidal waves of stress this term. With the Antioch plans? Did one of the “cool and think about talking to a doctor, but I uncertain future of the college and the kids” poke fun at your clothing style or don’t think this condition fits your situa- bare-bones student services, everyone the way you dance? Did you get a big tion, so I would leave this as a very very has to work three times as hard just to paper back with lots of red-ink criticism very last resort option. secure their current existence. If that and very little praise? When you aren’t Sometimes even the most sex-crazed doesn’t stress you out, I don’t know feeling confident and good about your- among us encounter times in our lives what will. On top of that, it’s getting to self, it’s difficult to want to put yourself when the burdens weigh heavy and sex be that time in the term when the last in a vulnerable position. Getting naked, just doesn’t seem to be in the cards for few months procrastination start catch- asking for what you want, and trying to a little while. Give yourself a break, re- ing up in a serious way. I bet you’re bur- please a partner all take a lot of guts, member that you are a sexy, desirable ied under a pile of homework and run- and if you’re feeling less than your best, person, and let your libido come back ning from meeting to meeting (even if you might need practice some affirma- when you’re ready for it. that meeting is as informal as just getting tions in the mirror before you’re ready to caught up in caf conversations about make love with another person. Lusting for You, the state of our home). It’s hard to let If any of these things are going on, Levi B. go and lose yourself when your brain is 16 They Too Were Once Young Every week, an Antioch faculty member remembers their college years By James Thomas Robertson the Ninth pretty good grades. Not top grades, but that when you turned on the radio. Normally the was ok. only place you would hear rock music was on What goals did you have for your future at the TV and you would mostly hear only Amer- that point? ican or British music. The new German wave I really didn’t know what I was going to do. brought out a lot of the German bands. Some That was a little scary. I thought maybe I would of them I really liked were the Spider Murphy become an interpreter or teaching, but I really Gang, who sang in a Bavarian dialect. There had no idea. I hated making all of those deci- was also DAF, or Dutch American friendship. sions. It was tough. The band Trio had that song that went “Da Da How would you let go and enjoy your week- Da,” that they later used for Volkswagen com- ends? mercials here. I was in Hamburg with thirty other students Were there any books you remember read- from Ohio State, Kentucky State, and Purdue ing? so I might go out with some of them, maybe At the time I was taking a class where we were go out to a Turkish restaurant. We would go reading Literature of the Ruins which was Debra Oswald see movies at the art theater or just hang out German post war literature. I remember at that at our program center. I probably would have age I loved Catcher in the Rye. Mostly I was Head Librarian been hanging out with my American friends reading for my college assignments and a lot speaking English, which was totally wrong. I of German literature since I was a German ma- What year was it and where were you when had some German friends as well, because I jor. you were 20? had spent a year of high school in Hamburg. I Are there any advancements with daily life It was 1986 and I was in Hamburg, Germany still had friends left from then, so I may have you find surprising? studying at the University of Hamburg during also gone out with them. Well the internet and just computers in gener- my junior year abroad. I was a German major What kinds of music were you listening to al. We had word processors and computer, just at Ohio State. then? not as many. The internet didn’t come until the What kind of student were you? At that time in Germany there was a lot of early 90s. That has really changed everything I was an interested student. I wasn’t the best excitement, because of something called “the from the way we get information to our social student, but I was naturally curious about ev- new German wave” [Die Neue Deutsche networks. That would definitely be the biggest erything and always enjoyed learning. I got Welle], and there were a lot of German bands change. Popularity Planner Starting November 9th F  S  S >> Antioch Around the World Activites & Part >> 6:00 p.m. in Mis Kitc en: Vegan Potluck >> 1:00 p.m. in the Wenes Cente: Studying On a >> 4:15 p.m. in the C-Shop: RAB >> 8:00 p.m. in the Antioc eate: A Streetcar Named Lazy Aernoon >> 8:00 p.m. in the Antioc eate: A Streetcar Desire >> 6:00 p.m. in the Antioc Environental Cente: Named Desire AEG Meeting >> 9:00 p.m. at Wenes Cente : Friday Night Events/ Chem Free Parties

M T W T  >> Sex Week Begins >> 8:00 a.m. in Main Building Confe- >> 12:00 p.m. in the McPhaen Room, >> 3:00 p.m in the Main Building Con- >> 8:00 p.m. in the Wenes Cente: e ence Room: AdCil Antioc Inn: Campus Greening Com- ference Room: ComCil Icharus Project >> 3:00 p.m. in McGrego 113: Commu- miee >> 7:00 p.m. in the Wenes Cente: >> 9:00 p.m. behind the C-Shop: Save nity Meeting >> 8:30 p.m. in the Wenes Cente: Dream Group Antioch! >> 7:00 p.m. in the Philosophy Lounge in Survivor’s Group >> 8:00 p.m. in the Antioc eate: A Main Building: Dialogia Streetcar Named Desire >> 7:00 p.m. in the Wenes Cente: Radical Craing >> 10:00 p.m. in the Wenes Cente: Story Time 17 shadows and show up be- “Life is meant to be a cause if we don’t, Anti- never ending education, och will close. Vegan Recipe and when this is fully Lifting Suspension [not appreciated, we are no OMG MIB GTFO Declassifiedsequal] school staying longer survivors but ad- yours in christ, Tom of the Week open. If you’re not out- venturers.” -David Mc- By Sally Bell Alper raged, you’re not paying Nally The cake is a LIE!!! attention. Loftin & Rachel, let’s Dear Ha Craw Thanks for Blogs are a good place to get vegan Dear Scott Warren, Thank run away and start a holding my hand. I love recipes and inspiration for kitchen you so much for speaking motorcycle gang that you [heart] Meghan creativity. They can be written by all out in community meet- gives away books to kids & dances A LOT, pretty Megg, you are so amazing. sorts of people and appear on your ing! We need it. Thanks computer screen for no additional [heart] pretty please? Good job with the play. -Rhymenocerous costs. Here is a list of some blogs to I like kissing your eye- Greer, Dancing w/ you excite your vegan taste buds. lids. I’m glad we fall last weekend was the Dyke whores don’t get asleep together. You’re best! It made my day. married. They get even. sweet but not because Let’s do it all the time Fuck you forever. with you’re addicted to sugar- [heart] Meghan yer sexy ass. 10 Vegan Blogs because you’re you! FOR YOU: “let us bright- Charlie-I hope you are me veganlunchbox.blogspot.com/ Niko, Thanks for always en up the sky! All free mystery prom date A stay at home vegan mother writes being there for me! spritis’ spirit, let you about and photographs the amazing and me thunder; since i Shauna, David Bowie says Love always, -me xox lunches she makes for her family. It has met you like a tempest “Hello” roars my joy” Stolen from some good recipes with cute decoration Ain’t no party like the ideas. rhymenoucerous tea party Nietschze. - Nightcrawler Niko, Fela & Jamila- vivelevegan.blogspot.com/ Hey Ho Thanks for all your work Trapped inside a box-4 & love. [heart] Meghan Dreena Burton, another mother, shares Taylor- I can’t deny it, long years. Hiding from some simple recipe for her family. She is I have a big fat lesbian the world, punished by Dear 309, What’s good the author of three cookbooks including crush on you. your peers. Study teach- with the raceless com- “Everyday Vegan”. ers’ words staff of munity www.vegblog.org/ haunted hearts. Earned ANA This blog is written by a mostly vegan you are so beautiful a piece of paper-now If I had a crush, I’d go forth and start. Go write a declassified to Virginian man who posts about his expe- riences and thoughts on veg issues. The C-sometimes I hate every- forth, be conquered, fo it comments from readers are generally one, too, but I always FORTH AND DIE! love you. -L Cryborg- you bring joy to more interesting then his writing. Sirk is a jerk... do I my life veganfreaks.org/ Nicholetta-I miss Archi- smell a vote of no confi- Vegan couple writing about their lives as bald. And I lurve you. dence? Where have the haikus vegans. They wrote a book called “Veg- -Rhymenocerous. gone? an Freaks: being vegan in a non-vegan I [heart] greene hall! -n world” as well as doing pod casts with Amber-you’re the most Lil’ Andy: I want to rub After “U” there’s no one your head ‘til it’s bald some fun interviews. beautiful woman in the eatair.blogspot.com/ world to me. I’m gather- else for me again Several vegans list what they eat to show ing the courage to tell you so in person. -S.A. Recruit students on your Chris Hill marry me that they eat more than air. Some good own. Students getting recipes and ideas especially for recently Dear Erin-Aja, you’re new students to come to Let’s be friends always converted vegans. supposed to be me girl- Antioch will save us. www.kitteekake.blogspot.com/ friend, but you’ve never Students getting needs to Nicholetta, where do you Kittee’s had some original and creative happen NOW. go go go, my lovely? bought me dinner before. recipes on a cute blog. -Rhymenocerous Let’s go on a date, your swellvegan.wordpress.com/ treat. [heart] Meghan Manah ma nah Do Do DoDoDo Do sooner is later Good recipes but amazing photos! thelazyveganblog.blogspot.com/ Dear Community, I love every curse is a prayer you so much! This was a triumph. I’m The blog contains tips and advise for the Love, Emma Emmerich making a note here, HUGE Come to AdCil if you want lazy vegan lifestyle. success. It’s hard to to know what is going on jewishvegan.blogspot.com/ She’s watching you overstate my satisfaction Goodies by a Jewish Vegan food lover. Diming Antioch is going www.theppk.com/blog/ Antioch college. We do to equal killing Antioch. Fela thank you for caring The NY post punk kitchen’s blog share what we must. Because we Stand up, pay attention! about me during my down their recipes with info about what’s hap- timeor hoping & rolling CAN. For the good of all Time of us. (except the ones Our vengeance shall be pening with the ppk folks. Keep Antioch going, be- who are DEAD) our victory cause YOU CAN!

Michael, thanks for mak- Stick it to the man, An- ing me laugh! tioch, step out of the 18 Question of the Week With James Thomas Robertson the Ninth and the Horoscopes Faculty and Staff of Antioch College by MARYSIA WALCERZ How did you or how will you celebrate the news that Antioch will stay open?

Birthday - A year older, a year closer to joining the Lea ue of Octogenarian Superheroes. “With guarded optimism” Aries - With paranoia always as your default state, you’l John Minter, Office of have no idea what to do when your enemies openly financial aid announce their intention to get you in the Declassieds this week. Taurus - Nothing can stand in your way, now that you’ve naly completed your buldozer license aplication “I’m depressed by how process. crippled Antioch has be- Gemini - Your strict aherence to the adage “A penny come because of all this, so saved is a penny earned” wil work to your advantage as I won’t be celebrating” human civilization sudenly regresses to the Coper Age Bill Whitesell, Professor of this week. Physics and Astronomy Cancer - Try kicking an adiction this week. e stars are looking pointely at the 12b case of White Castle burgers hiden in your room. Leo - Your admiance to rehab wil throw your “I’m going to jump up and previously held convictions into turmoil this week as you down in joy” realize that “winners never quit” isn’t always completely Manny- CSKC aplicale to your life. Virgo - Love is in the air, articialy inating the polen count as usual. Libra - You may like short shorts, but November is an inapropriate time to stage a campus-wide musical “I had a sushi party and number expressing this fact. champagne at noon” Chelsea Martens- Com- Scorpio - e deep pit of despair in your life wil be munity Manager cemented over this week when Mr. Fuzzy is anonymously returned to you by your anonymous roommate.

Sagi arius - Avoid Wednesday as much as possile this “Open my 50 year old week. And, if possile, ursday thru Tuesday too. bottle of bourbon I was Capricorn - Your tendency to throw yourself willy at saving for the apocalyptic any and al autumn leaves wil nd you embarassingly attack” traped at the top of a tal oak this week. Marvin- Caf manager Aquarius - e stars su gest stripes, not plaid, this week.

Pisces - Stop drop and rol- aplicale for res, aplicale “I never stopped celebrat- for improvisational dance class. ing Antioch being open” A horoscopes are uaranteed accurate to the fu est extent of the law. If John Smith- Academic you feel you horoscope is in eo, please contact Mish in Mi s 219 fo a support center fu refund. 19 From“Critic Derails the Local StreetcarArchives... Production”, March 15th, 1974 “Most Students Returning”, June 15th 1979

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