Out of curiosity, how many people are still reading this blog? I’d be very curious to have people post why they still read the blog 3 years after the school closed. I’d also be curious to know how the reads was or is affiliated to SJC. If you are still reading the blog, please take a minute or two to leave a comment and let us know you are still reading, why you still read it and your affiliation to SJ. It is your option to sign the comment of leave it anonymously.
I know I still check in regularly because I cared deeply for the school, the students, the faculty, the staff, and most especially the volunteers. I also, still care deeply about what will happen with the campus.
33 comments:
I still have the blog on my list of RSS feeds so I guess I technically "follow" it. It's been a decent source of information over the years since leaving Sitka. I probably wouldn't have known about the ending of Dubuque's partnership otherwise. The Juneau Empire had ran an article just the day before on the partnership and its prospects for reopening the college.
I was a VIM in 2004 and still read the blog. I am concerned how negative some of the comments are especially of late following the Dubuque decision. As difficult as the closing of the college was and the treatment of the staff, only positive plans (and prayers) can save the campus ( I mean the buildings) and preserve the history of the school and those who were touched by the spirit of the past history.
Susan
I am a Presbyterian pastor. I check in occasionally to keep track of this disaster. I have found David Dobler to be unethical and untrustworthy . . . sorry to say that, but comes from my experience.
Interesting comment when the only other option appears to be bankruptcy. "It is clear to me, however, that the expectations of some members of the SJC Board are not in alignment with our plan which is, of course, their prerogative."
In any case, we need to remember the original Dubuque statement was that the plan needed to be "revenue neutral" so this ending should not have been a surprise.
I have been following this blog because I had hoped that something extremely good could become of the hatchery training program. Everything in that arena had been fine until the College closed. I really hope that the SSSC can do something good there. I gave it my all. I have the worst mixed feelings about how things have developed. I hope that another Presbyterian College can approach the SJC Trustees and make an offer.
We check in a couple times a month because we care what happens to SJ since our daughter went up there to teach and fell in love with the place, even though she knew in the early 90s that the college was doomed. But we'd hoped something could develop with Dubuque. There is so much potential for something great there and Dubuque even had donor $$$s, a record of success, and a plan ready to start small and grow. Too bad. Not knowing Dobler or the Sitka government, we cannot judge their action. We'd like to hope that at least the SSSC can have some success and will support it, but if the attitude in Sitka is so defeatist, even that is probaby a poor investment.
I check email and SJC Watch daily to know how others react to my existence on earth, both alternatives to being uninformed. We have contributed both money and time to SJC and hate to see it fail. The Sentinel does give some info but as long as this blog is alive we will continue to read it. Clyde
I check this blog regularly. I was a librarian for a few years at SJ(97-2001). The college was a mess at that time, but I can say that, almost without exception, I enjoyed every student, faculty and staff member and VIM that I worked with. I have kept in touch with many fine folks through the years. I enjoy the blog because it provides a perspective not available elsewhere. Though I would love to see SJ thrive again, I do not see it happening.
I’d have to give Dan kudos for working harder than anyone to keep things going at SJ. Like Dan I too hope that SSSC can thrive.
Thanks everyone for your posts!
I still check in. Thanks for keeping it going!
I, a former employee, check in frequently to see if there is any change in administration.
I am a former student and a former employee. I also care about what transpires. The place just needs new people, a new vision, etc. The disparaging remarks are sometimes upsetting but I understand them and agree with most of them. My children grew up there in SItka and on SJC campus. They have seen some things there that have jaded their view of Christianity. SJC was supposed to be a Christian college....with Christian values. I did not see much of that there , sadly, except for all the wonderful Vims and workgroups that came. Thanks Chris and Marcel for keeping this going.
As a former employee, father of a graduate and partner of a former faculty member, I watch "Sheldon Jackson College Watch".
In the early 1970s undergraduate education in the United States underwent a sea-change in funding.
The Presbyterian Church turned most of its colleges over to self-sustaining boards of trustees. Many, many undergrad schools in the nation suffered financial constraints until they (those that survived) found new ways to fund themselves.
I am an alumnus of another Presbyterian undergrad school that was sold by its trustees, shifted revenue models, became a university (expanded its education into graduate studies,) and is now healthy.
As prestigious as the list of current and former trustees of SJC is, they were unable to accomplish their single MOST important responsibility - the fiscal health of the institution. Over the past nearly-40 years, there have been many, many suggestions for ways to accomplish this. Oddly, the best methods were not secret but are probably those which were found, tried, and proven true by the many undergrad schools which faced exactly the same circumstances as SJC.
For some reason the SJC Board lacked either the vision or the competence to adopt any of these successful revenue models. It was not for lack of solutions.
Most of the past forty years failed to see enough revenue to cover expenses. The solution chosen by its trustees was to reduce spending. As maintenance on the physical plant was required, it was either undertaken on the cheap or postponed. That bill is finally due.
Even if the Board of Trustees is able to offer the campus debt-free, the campus is hardly an attractive gift. The existing physical plant has been bled dry over past decades by underfunded maintenance. The cost of putting the existing buildings back into functional condition has been estimated as high as $60 million.
Do you know anyone who would accept a gift with an associated price tag of $60 million?
University of Dubuque President Bullock's letter in it's next to last paragraph suggests his inability to see clearly either the circumstances of the college's closure or the character of some of the participants. While disappointing, such a shortcoming on his part would have eventually spelled the doom of any partnership, had it happened.
The campus has been called some of the most valuable land in the state of Alaska (if one discounts mineral rights). While it is a terrible shame to cut it up and sell it piecemeal, the quality of that decision is right in line with the quality of those decisions that led to the closure of the college.
I keep hoping something good can still happen. I do think that al the bitterness and fingerpointing is counterproductive. People make mistakes and in clear hindsight everyone loves to point them out. I don't believe that anyone intentially set out to destroy SJ. Personal attacks on individuals is the sign of a petty and frustrated mind.
I still check it periodically to see if there are any updates - was a VIM in 06 & 07 when it closed.
I still check in. No "direct" connection to SJC other than being Sitkan, although I suppose that might qualify as a direct connection in itself (ultimate games on the quad, Fine Arts Camp in the early '00s). Thanks for keeping it going.
The Governor of Alaska is looking for suggestions, ideas, and visions of what can make SJC campus stay intact and running successfully. Check his Facebook Alaska Governor Sean Parnell.
I check in just to see what is happening. Kind of feels like checking in with a soap opera. I'd like to know how it ends.
I was a student at the end. It was odd when the school quit saying to have a second school ready, and switched to saying everything would be okay.
I also like hearing from some of the old SJ people. Marcel, Chris, and Mel especially. Haven't heard anything from Mel in a while though :) Hope he's well.
I have no direct connection to SJC but am an Alaskan interested in Alaska's historic resources. I check the blog once a month or so, and whenever there is a new development. I understand this blog is authored by an individual, and I appreciate their efforts to provide their informed perspective.
I was an employee in 2003-2005. It was easy to see that the philosophy of the school directors was misplaced. The school was finally making some headway in recruiting students when they hired a headhunter from out of state that had no clue on how to treat Alaska Native students. In my opinion he put the nail in the coffin of SJC.
Marcel, you might want to include a “Followers” gadget to the side column, so those who want to follow “Sheldon Jackson College Watch”, myself included, will know when you’ve posted an update. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Terry and I check it every now and then, and are glad to feel some connection. It seems that once SJC gets in your blood, it stays there. Sue
I check in on the blog to see what is going on. I really appreciate the updates.
I agree with Susan. That is "....only positive plans (and prayers) can save the campus."
I directed the library from 2002-2004 and care deeply for the college, the students, the faculty, and the many dedicated VIMs who gave so willingly and generously to SJ. I check in from time to time hoping for good news. Sitka feels like home to me. I only wish it were closer to my family. I hope you can sustain the energy to keep this going.
I still read the blog once in a while.
Now it looks like something might be happening there.
I think it is actually good that Dubuque is not involved.
Maybe it is time to make SJ into a Tribal College.
Over the last three years that I am working for a Tribe here in Oregon, I have also had the chance to instruct GIS workshops for NASA Summer Research Experience workshops for Tribal Colleges.
It seems like Tribal colleges are doing extremely well. Especially without any influence from Churches.
I was the director for the Tribal Colleges and University program (TCUP) at SJC for a year just before they closed. I have to say that looking back at it, the college with its christian centered views and imperialistic approach to eduction for Alaskan Natives should have never been excepted into the TCUP.
I am also watching this blog because I planned to send a letter of protest to NSF if the old SJC Administration and or Dubuque would have applied for the NSF TCUP grant again. Thankfully that will be not the case anymore.
Now maybe the native corporations or tribes and villages in Alaska could come together and build a Native / Tribal College there on the grounds where the Tlingits fought so bravely against the first European (Russian) invasion.
And maybe the oil rich state of Alaska could help them with that.
Mell
I am with a non-profit social service agency that is looking to move into one of the SJC buildings.
I'm a former student who checks in from time to time. I care deeply about the school and it hurts to see the current state of affairs. I still <3 SJC and all of the wonderful people who've shared experiences there.
Hello Marcel and Chris,
Thank you for your outstanding dedication and commitment to the school and the spirit of its founder and followers. Thanks to this website/blog I've able to check in from time to time since 2004 when I left the school after 3 years of teaching/managing program. I've found your posts very valuable with many links to outside sources.
Let me know if your steps (and your boat) take you to Paris!
Best,
Thomas Misslin
I am a past student of SJC (1974-75) and am trying to get transcripts. I was very saddened by the close of the college and will always carry very fond memories of my time there.
I was the librarian from 04 - 06 and I check in because I still like to have a link to SJC. Once Sitka/SJC gets in your blood, you never forget it. I would like to see something positive come from the situation there. Thanks Marcel and Chris for keeping the blog going and keeping us informed. DEE
I check in from time to time. Mostly to see if other students are still around.
K.Kelly
the only reason this site exists is because david dobler The "dr" has now moved on to brainwash the churches of southeast alaska and sadly sitka presbyterian church. he is making good money and ruining great tradition organizations. people wake up...
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