Sweet Briar grads retain Troutman Sanders, launch crowdfunding campaign to save school
Image from Sweet Briar College.
Loyal alumnae of a venerable Virginia women’s college are rallying to save their school following a stunning announcement by its board of directors this week that Sweet Briar College would be closing.
One group has retained Troutman Sanders and a crowdfunding site has been launched with a $20 million goal, according to the News Advance. So far, the website says, $1 million has been raised.
The move followed a Wednesday conference call involving 165 alumnae, reports the Roanoke Times. Their goal was to discuss legal strategy concerning a possible injunction to block Sweet Briar from closing and discover the actual owner of the school’s 3,250-acre campus.
School spokeswoman Christy Jackson said Sweet Briar has an $84.8 million endowment and is $24.9 million in debt. The board’s decision to close Sweet Briar was reportedly based on a need to cut tuition to retain its student base. Jackson said, “We believe the decision of the board is final.”
Related coverage:
Grade Point (Washington Post, reg. req): “Shock over Sweet Briar turns to determination to stop the college from closing”
Grade Point (Washington Post, reg. req.): “Alumna: Sweet Briar College is no finishing school. It must not close.”
