Has anyone considered the condition of our colleges? They are an embarrassment to the denomination. As a denomination that prides itself on being enlightenment and knowledge why are our institutions of higher learning in such bad condition. The Cathoics have Notre Dame. The United Methodist have Southern Methodist University. What do we have? Our schools are in shambles and we seem to be doing nothing about it. The church continues to collect monies for connectional claims that are supposed to pay for amoung other things our schools. This money is clearly not being used effectively. Does anyone have any thoughts on what we can do to make our schools citadels of education as opposed to what they are now?

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2000

Answers

I don't want to discourage you but the fact is that the contributition made by all denominations for their connectional Institutions of higher learning is like a drop of water in the oceans. That includes the Catholics and United methodists also. Most of these schools are supported by endowments established by businesses and people who have a heart for the particular school, and the students who attend the schools. The AME Church probably provides about the same percentage to AME schools as does the UMC to its institutions.

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2000

Greetings!

You certainly touched on a sore subject this morning. As an honor student (GPA 3.45) of Morris Brown College(MBC), an AME and a concerned person; I believe that I am qualified to answer questions about the conditions of MBC, a fine institution of higher learning. I agree that the money has not always been managed wisely; however, the college operates on a tight budget with little room for error. MBC does not have the support of alumni and private contributions both physically and monetarily that other (white) colleges have. Our church family is often content with the contributions made through the general church and do not (please tell me differently) give extra funds to the college. Often “Catholics and Methodists” leave fat wills/donations to the church. Our people rarely have an inheritance to leave to anyone other than family.

Under the leader of our new president, Dolores E. Cross, things are turning around! Check out the website. (www.morrisbrown.edu.) I know first hand that campus and administration has improved 100%. Dr. Cross goes after additional funds and is relentless on improving the educational environment for all students. Another point I would like to mention is that they (MBC) don’t treat students the same as “other” institutions. For instance, they worked with me until my financial aide situation was straightened without kicking me out of classes. I am sure that this kind of management shows up adversely on the books and takes away from other areas of the college. They do everything humanly possible to help the students succeed.

I received an “citadel” education from MBC, even under in the worst physical conditions. Windows with no screens, sitting in cold classrooms, no chalk or erasers, worn out desks and old facilities. Even in shambles, they are clean. My instructors (too numerous to name) were (are) awesome. They were (are) the catalysts for my learning. On an administrative note, Dr. Marvin Haire and Darlita Jones give 200% to the institution. I am sure they use their own funds and private time to improve the quality of education at MBC.

I suggest that the readers of this board CONSISTENTLY contribute to Morris Brown College, either privately or through your local church. Contact the college and see which areas need help. You’d be surprised that the contribution of pens (the goodies from your office) or chalk would be extremely helpful. If you don’t want to spend the time figuring out whom to contact, email me. I’ll be happy to research it for you and provide a contact person.

In Love and Light, Brenda

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000

As a convenience, the following web site may direct you to other AME schools for further information: http://www.ghg.net/jlp ayne/schools.html/

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000

If I want to support all of the AME colleges and universities, who do I send a check to annually? Is there an AME college fund that nonmembers can send their financial contributions?

Sincerely,

JazzMan

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000