Editor of the Reformer,
Marlboro College has cancelled its proposed merger with the University of Bridgeport to preserve its unique `self-directed learning' and `town-meeting/selectboard governance,' and "sizeable endowment" (Marlboro College, Office of the President, public e-mail message, Sept. 14).
Longtime, growing collaboration with internationally renowned Marlboro Music likely is another consideration.
Colleges are closing because the last few of the baby boomers' offspring are passing through their undergraduate years.
Unique Marlboro College, however, needs just a few hundred equally unique undergraduate and graduate students. Is it really true that there are not enough from anywhere?
Are new students being recruited diversely and internationally? Are current students recruiting via social media? Which aspects of Marlboro College do current and potential students value — or not?
Howard Fairman
Putney, Sept. 19