By Katy Savage
RUTLAND—The news that College of St. Joseph could be closing drew a wave of concern from students, faculty and staff on Monday, April 30.
A trustees, meeting scheduled for Monday afternoon to discuss the college’s future was postponed, but students met anyway in a “rather animated” meeting, said college spokesperson James Lambert.
There were concerns about the athletic department after two coaches were fired and there were concerns about the disappearance of the college; $5 million endowment.
“I think our students, faculty and staff have a lot of passion for our college,” Lambert said.
The trustees postponed the annual meeting just hours before, citing safety concerns and saying they expected a large turnout. The college issued a press release before the meeting.
“The Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff and everyone in the College of St. Joseph family are working feverishly to find ways to keep CSJ open and to move toward a more sustainable model,” President Lawrence Jensen said in that press release. “Everyone has an emotional attachment and passion for our college. I share that passion. It is important that everyone who shares that passion come together to help discover the opportunities we have available,” Jensen continued.
The small, private liberal arts college, founded in the 1950s, has struggled to stay open with declining enrollment and operating losses.Trustee meetings to discuss the college’s future are scheduled for May 1, 2, and 3 at 3:30 p.m. in room 202 St. Joseph Hall. Students, faculty and staff would be invited to share their concerns with the trustees. The trustees are expected to make a decision about the liberal art college’s future May 7.
