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Event-filled Weekend Marks a New Decade at Landmark College

by Solvegi Shmulsky

Attendees eat lunch on the quad beside large tentsPUTNEY, Vt. -- On Saturday, September 26, 1,200 people gathered at Landmark College to celebrate the past, present and future of the institution. Three historic events were combined on one fall weekend: the 30th Anniversary of the College; a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Nicole Goodner MacFarlane Center for Science, Technology & Innovation; and the dedication of Alumni Hall. “Landmark College is striding into the future while maintaining its core mission,” said alumna Nicole Goodner MacFarlane '96, capturing the theme of the weekend. Attendance included new students, alumni, families, faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees.

30th Anniversary

Governor Shumlin speaks at podium during 30th anniversary receptionIn a poignant speech that touched on his personal experience of learning differently, three-term Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin spoke at the 30th Anniversary Celebration about the beginning of Landmark College. In 1979, Vermont resident Shumlin helped to mobilize the town to vote against turning the vacated Windham College campus into a corrections facility. “I saw an ad in the Boston Globe seeking a space for an LD college,” he said. “I have dyslexia, so of course I loved the idea.” The hope to bring a college to the River Road campus became a reality in 1985 due to the vision and efforts of Dr. Charles Drake, Charles Strauch, Shumlin, founding faculty members, and many more.

Drawing applause from the crowd, Shumlin connected with the struggles and triumphs of students who learn differently. “Do you know why I’m pumped up today?” he asked. “For those of you who doubted yourselves, who struggled in school, who lost confidence… I am in your club.”

“I wouldn’t be an effective governor if I didn’t learn differently,” Shumlin said. “This institution understands that you fought one thousand times harder than the person next to you, and this will empower you to be the best leader.”

Speakers at the 30th Anniversary also included Dr. Peter Eden, president of Landmark College; Charles Strauch, founding Board member; and Robert E. Lewis, chairperson of the Board. Each shared the history of the College and their hopes for the future. “We have to alternatively embrace and eschew orthodoxy in education,” said Eden. “We’ve been here for 30 years. Here’s to 130 more.”

Ribbon Cutting for New Science, Technology & Innovation Center

Officials cut the ribbon in front of the new buildingIn a ceremony that emphasized the present and future, members of the community gathered outside the MacFarlane Center for the ribbon cutting that officially recognized the first new academic building in the history of the College. The $9.6M building houses the departments of natural science, mathematics and computer science, as well as the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training (LCIRT).  “This building is so cool, it’s functional, and it fits beautifully with the architecture of the campus,” said Eden, who thanked those who contributed to the project.

Nicole Goodner MacFarlane addressed the crowd, explaining her personal reasons for supporting the building. She described a moment as a new mother holding her infant daughter Daphne, now three years old. “I wondered if my daughter would struggle in school like I did,” she said. “Then I remembered Landmark College, and I was grateful that a school like this exists for students like me.” MacFarlane thanked her advisor Geoff Burgess, and her teachers, all of whom still work at the College. She said, “This College gives me peace when I think about my children.”

In closing, Lewis, chair of the Board of Trustees, encouraged onlookers to “reflect on this building which embodies Landmark College.” He said, “The learning that happens inside can radiate outside through the windows, just like our mission to impact education beyond this campus.”      

Dedication of Alumni Hall

“In recognition of Landmark College’s 7,000-plus alumni around the globe, this residence hall will now be officially named Alumni Hall” –President Eden

Alumni Advisory Board members after the rededication ceremonyAt the third major event on September 26, 100 alumni from Windham College and 143 alumni of Landmark College met on upper campus for the dedication of Alumni Hall. The focal point of the event was two signs: the Alumni Hall plaque on the residence hall and the original Windham College sign in a nearby garden space. Eden explained that the hall is named for all alumni of the campus, including those from Windham College. He said, “Alumni Hall stands as a reminder of the impact and contributions alumni make to institutions of higher education.”

“I am honored to be here and represent our amazing alumni of this truly wonderful institution,” said Michael Macho (pictured at right, third from left), chair of the Landmark College Alumni Advisory Board (AAB). Macho highlighted the work of the AAB, which includes bringing alumni to campus, meeting at regional events, and promoting alumni giving. He said, “We do this because we are the future of the College.”

Event Supporters

Landmark College thanks all who contributed to make this multi-event weekend a success. Sponsors of the 30th Anniversary Celebration include Aerie Consulting, Nelnet Business SolutionsTDBank,and A to Z Communications.

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