An open letter to MBU Administration, BOT, and fellow alumnae,

As alumnae, we are connected by a sisterhood. We all hold our alma

mater in a special place within our hearts. We respect her for the women
she helped shape us into when we were blindsided by the announcement
of residential coeducation coming in 2017.

We were disrespected by someone we love. The Board of Trustees of our

alma mater is the voice for that person. Although we have seen reports of
small groups and committees supporting the implementation of University
College, a focus group or committee of a few hundred people does not
speak for us. Within 24 hours of the announcement of University College,
over 2,000 of us found our voice. We cried, we shared memories, and we
vented.

Then we unequivocally determined not to support the decision that was

made. Our decision in no way means that we do not support our alma
mater, It means that we support an unwavering, bold commitment to
womens education. Having been blindsided, however, we do mistrust
those who speak for her.

We are expected to accept the decision, and the explanations thereof,

without supporting documents to verify the statements of the very persons
who misled us about the health of Mary Baldwin for years. We have not
been given the opportunity to review minutes from the meetings where this
decision was made.

From comments made about this group in multiple fora, it appears there is
a misunderstanding of where our hearts lie. Let us speak plainly: We do
not want MBU to fail. That is precisely why we will not sit down. We
stand boldly on behalf of young women who deserve the opportunity
of womens education at Mary Baldwin University.

We have deep admiration for Mary Baldwin University. We respect her

leadership, and we respect our fellow alumnae who disagree with our
opinions. We ask for the same respect in return.
Signed,
#boldlylead