news-record.com

Counterpoint:

By Edward Sanz and Paul Schmidt

Greensboro College faces the same economic headwinds that confront every college in the country today. The recession has made banks more cautious, hurt donors’ ability to contribute, lowered endowment funds, and created challenges for new and returning students in meeting their tuition obligations. As has been amply reported, the college has taken steps — some of them particularly painful for the faculty and staff — to help weather this rough patch, and we will continue to evaluate appropriate steps to address the school’s current challenges. We continue to have the support of the bank and we are making very good progress in renewing our credit facilities.

 In view of the continuing progress, it is unfortunate that the June 28 article contained numerous inaccuracies regarding problems with vendors and suppliers, took several comments out of context, and became an unfair, inaccurate and personal attack on the leadership of President Craven Williams.

For example, the story begins with an anecdote about Duke Energy showing up to disconnect power to the college’s student union, even though the reporter had been informed that the incident was the result of a Duke mistake and that utility had apologized to the college. The story also implies that Greensboro College pays for Mrs. Craven Williams’ personal fitness training at the Greensboro Country Club. In fact, Dr. Williams pays for all such personal services with a separate personal check and has done so since joining the club.

On the more positive side, we have been humbled and impressed by the level of support shown for the college during this period and remain convinced that Greensboro College will emerge stronger and in a better position to grow and flourish over the next 171 years.

Applications from new students have been very strong, and the number of new students already committing to the fall semester is almost equal to the number of similar commitments received last year at this time. In addition, applications from professional and graduate students have increased more than 75 percent.

The writers are partners with Naviscent Group and are acting as chief restructuring officers for Greensboro College.