President James F. Jones Jr. cited financial issues as the reason for the planned closing of 114-year-old Sweet Briar College.
The resolve followed the announcement Tuesday that the Class of 2015 would be the final graduating class at the 114-year-old college in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Some 700 students were enrolled at the college this year.
President James F. Jones Jr. cited financial reasons. The board of directors approved the Aug. 25 closure Saturday.
The announcement sent shudders across the 3,250-acre campus north of Lynchburg as students sobbed and embraced each other.
“It was devastating, just devastating,” said Suri Xia, who needs nine credits to graduate. “I’ve never seen this much tears.”
Alumnae from around the country, and abroad, and current students united on social media to save their beloved school. A website was launched to raise a lofty $250 million.
“In the past 24 hours, we really have rallied around this campaign,” said Victoria Rangel Gerken, a Los Angeles public relations professional and Class of 2004 member whose mother and two sisters are alumnae.
