Guilford College students staged a protest yesterday along Guilford College Road, in front of New Green Friends Meeting. Students are very upset to be losing some of their favorite professors and also losing many of their liberal arts majors. Over the nearly 200-year history of the Quaker-founded college, the liberal arts have been at the core of the institution. Students stated that they wish they had been more included in the process for deciding what majors to retain and how to raise money for the college. Those student protestors were so articulate and passionate about their educational experience at Guilford College. 

A key symbol of  Guilford College is a great black oak. One fell in the 1990s and former Guilford President Bill Rogers drew the tree, and his drawing became the logo that is still in use today.*  Mature trees abound on the campus. One of the many memorable signs held by the students yesterday  said, “The tree is dying.” Of course, “You fired my favorite professor” also hit home about the hurt felt by many of the stakeholders, especially the faculty, staff, and students. Downsizing decisions are never easy. Let’s hope somehow between now and the final vote in February a financial windfall comes their way. Let’s do it for the students, especially the ones who are committed to the liberal arts!

* reference and additional information, here.