The following is a letter to the editor submitted by Karin Gregory and Wendy Mathieson, 1980 graduates of Wells College. If you have a letter you’d like published on FingerLakes1.com send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.
We attended the college that Henry Wells built. In 1868, the co-founder of the American Express Company and Wells Fargo wanted to create one of the first women’s colleges in the United States, intended to produce the “ideal” contemporary woman. Thus, Wells College in the tiny hamlet of Aurora, N.Y. was established.
On April 29th of this year, Wells College announced that it would close on June 30th. To close so abruptly, with no warning, was a shock. The President and Board of Trustees said it was due to financial difficulties and lack of incoming students. Yet, just one month earlier, ex-president Gibralter assured everyone that the future of Wells looked bright…enrollment was up, new programs were created, accepted students were sending in deposits for the fall. “Let me assure you…we are full steam ahead.” What happened? Why the sudden turnaround and rush to close? The financial statements reveal that there were issues, but nothing so dire that an abrupt closure was required. Since then, there has been no communication, no transparency, no memos to the alumni or village residents from the Wells leadership group. The door to the Wells Kingdom is tightly locked.
At one time, Wells was a sisterhood. Friendships formed at the college could last a season…a year…a decade…or endure for a lifetime. It now feels like it has become a secret society, where few know and others just are left to guess.
We were, and are, that friendship – almost 50 years, thanks to Wells. An unlikely pair at the time: Karin, a scientist, Wendy, an aspiring musical theater performer. We wove a friendship at Wells connecting each into one another’s worlds.
Fast forward to 2024, and the two of us have figuratively returned to Wells to continue our journey, trying to understand and navigate the closure. The Board of Trustees have circled their wagons (more appropriately…their stagecoaches), around the campus, posting “No Trespassing” signs at all entry points, barring loyal alumni, as well as the entire Wells community, who have donated funds and boundless time, treasures and talent over the years to keep their beloved Wells College open.
So many people are affected by the closure. The village of Aurora is intertwined with the college. The college was the village’s major employer. The Wells water plant provides water to the village homes. The Peachtown Elementary School and the Community Medical center are on the campus. What has happened to our beloved statue Minerva? She was accidentally beheaded during a hasty move a few weeks after the closure was announced. Supposedly she is in safekeeping, but where? We were told that her repair would happen quickly. Has it been?.
This week, we learned the College’s leadership plans to shut off the water and heat to all the buildings on campus October 1st. The historic buildings, as well as the artworks, rare books and writings on campus, will be left vulnerable to the elements with no heat. Extreme cold could cause the pipes to burst, which could lead to water damage to these irreplaceable treasures. The Board of Trustees is responsible for protecting Henry’s legacy.
In all of this, where is the Wells Alumnae/Alumni Association? Where is their voice for all alumni? We all don’t agree with how the board and management are handling this closure. Provide answers, not silence. Their leadership is missing with no voice or guidance for us.
At Wells, the college that Henry built, the mission was for every student to think critically, reason wisely, and act humanely. The Board of Trustees should follow that directive. It’s what Henry Wells would expect. Unlock the door to the Wells Kingdom.
In Sisterhood,
Karin Gregory and Wendy Mathieson
Wells College, Class of 1980
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.