Antioch College - I just gave my largest single donation to the cause of reviving this school.

[ConsAreLiars]

Rather low fixed income and so not much by average US standards and laughably pathetic as seen by our rulers. Over time I've given more to other groups, and, sorry to say, this donation is not likely to have any positive result.

Antioch College's first president was Horace Mann in 1852. This quote pretty much defined everything that followed:

In 1859, Mann gave his final commencement speech, including what became the college's motto: "Be ashamed to die until you win some victory for humanity."

You can read the history at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioch_College .

That is all just obscure history. But for me, choosing Antioch as my college was the most important decision I've ever made. As a kid, a HS grad, I had several options. Continue my good union (OCAW) job, join the military, or go to one of several very different colleges. Of all those, I chose Antioch.

Who knows what I might have done or experienced if I'd made another choice?

But for me, now, that was the best choice I've ever made. I hate that others may now never have that specific option, although there are other colleges and organizations that may offer something similar. But for me, now, every good thing I have experienced, every good work I have done, stemmed from that choice and the wide and basically altruistic education that the work-study program provided.

It is sad to see it has gone bankrupt and, unless this improbable attempt to revive it succeeds, is no longer an option for this generation. Such is capitalism.

The folks who are trying to re-animate Antioch have a website, of course. Here's one part of it: http://antiochians.org/2008/07/17/antioch-college-alumni-association-creates-framework-for-plan-to-open-an-independent-antioch-college-with-support-from-antioch-university-board-of-trustees/

It's about as likely to succeed as "Save the Whales" or "Save the Mountain Gorillas," or "Restore America," but maybe still worth trying. If you are a zillionaire with anything like a conscience, toss a billion that way. Fat chance of that. If you are just a prole, like the rest of us, send good wishes and maybe a few bucks to this cause or any other that you think might help build a better future, or donate a few hours to something that might help tomorrow's kids learn to serve the greater good. I know these basic values and life lessons are still being taught, but it is sad to see yet one more teacher die.

[Liberal_in_LA]

1. I was amazed when the main campus closed.

[ConsAreLiars]

2. Surprised me, too.

I knew they had set up Antioch Universities in several cities which seemed to be carrying some of the tradition. It's been said that that created some economic strains that led to this outcome, but I really don't know if that is just speculation or kvetching or what.