Weimar College to Close in June

I just learned today from a friend that as of June 2008, Weimar College will be closing it's doors. The press release, dated yesterday - Jan 28, 2008 - begins...

After 30 years of training Seventh-day Adventist youth and young adults for lives of consecrated ministry, the Board of Directors of Weimar Institute of Health & Education voted to close the college program as of June 20, 2008. Taking fiscal responsibility, the difficult decision came after seeking various financial and ministries solutions for several years.

“We are not abandoning our goals for the educational aspect of our program. We are going to keep that an essential part of our mission. We have to get down to bedrock and develop a solid financial foundation. We must rebuild from the ground up,” says Bob Hancock, acting Chief Operating Officer and Board Chairman.

This is a significant announcement for me. One little known fact about me is that I actually graduated from Weimar College in 1994. That's right...I graduated from Weimar College! I began my college education at Pacific Union College. At the time I was a very conservative person - even legalistic. My early friends from PUC could tell you that I was "theologically obnoxious." On top of being very conservative, my grandparents were volunteers for Weimar's lifestyle program. They traveled the country and did NEWSTART seminars in churches - explaining Weimar's health principles, derived from scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White. As a result they had a desire for me to attend Weimar College.

When people find out that I was a student at Weimar they're usually very surprised. I've changed a lot since those days. We all change. But I am always grateful for the time I spent there. In fact, I had a major conversion experience while at Weimar. One of my theology teachers, who is know a colleague of mine here in Southern California Conference, was instrumental in teaching me about grace. I first experienced the freedom God offers in Christ while I student at Weimar.

It was a place I definitely outgrew. I never have been back since I left after graduation, but I have many fond memories and many of the relationships I formed there continue until this day. I guess Weimar College served a purpose in God's kingdom for a time and now there is some other purpose that will emerge.

God's peace to the leadership at Weimar as they discern God's future for that institution!

Comments

[K]

That's kinda sad. I know many people who attended there, and most of them are really thoughtful, genuine people who have a real love for Christ. I never liked the idea of wearing skirts everywhere, so Weimar wouldn't have been for me, but I appreciated your recognition of the spiritual blessing it brought to your life. As "unique" as the campus and faculty are, they have touched alot of lives in many ways, which to me is proof again that God can work in so many different venues!

[Hanan Merrill]

Hey Ryan,

I can relate to so many of your above expressed feelings about the Weimar experience. God used it at that point in my life, and I treasure many fond times there. However, I'm in such different places in my life these days. It's amazing what God uses in our journeys and how different one part of the journey can be from another.

Interesting note, we missed getting aquainted by about a month or so as I came to work and prepare for study July of 94. That first summer saw the formation of friendships (the most important being my wife) that I treasure to this day.

[Daneen]

I don't think I would have guessed that you went to Weimar, Ryan. But that probably shows my tendency to judge by such things (a flaw, to be sure). It's important to remember that we are all always on a journey--who I am spiritually now is not who I was or who I will become. My grandpa used to serve on Weimar's board, so they always made a trip to come see us in San Diego at the same time. In that round about way, Weimar helped our far-flung family keep connected.

[Dave Firnkoess]

Interesting you went to Weimar, Ryan. I did too. Late 80's. Many folks that were there, mostly the older students, had a mentality that their way of thinking & living were best for everyone. That they knew better than you for you. I remember a few older students telling some of us younger students that we were staying up too late or that we were too crazy or frivilous. "Sister White warns us about that!" They would say...

Weimar College would have survived with some flexibility & willingness to change & accredit the college. Could have still been self-supporting & taught their health & religion classes as well.

As expensive as SDA higher education costs, Weimar could have just worked with the SDA colleges & developed a low-cost SDA junior college with a curriculum that could transfer credits right into the 4-year colleges. The rigidity of Weimar's Board of Directors would never allow for that though.

Sad ending...

[Ty Teal]

Hi Ryan. My wife, Tina, and I lived at Weimar from '88 to '92. I believe I used to go on bike rides with your brother. Is that right? Is his name David? Anyway, yes, it's sad, but not as sad as the state in which I saw Weimar College last year. To have been there at its peak with around 120 students made it difficult to see the enrollment down to around 20 full time students. I guest lectured to two students in two different classes. Perhaps a new start is exactly what is needed. Anyway, blessings to you Ryan, and thank you for your post.