News Archive

It's not often people in academia want to be proved wrong. However, last fall when two different models Union College uses to predict enrollment for the next school year projected a decrease in new students, college administrators, faculty and staff began preparing for the worst and praying for the best.

"We believe each of our students is a blessing, and we've been asking God for many blessings lately," said David Smith, college president. "When I speak to our students and hear their stories about how and why they chose Union, I know those prayers have been answered."

Seth Perkins, associate professor of health and human performance, and Spencer Way clean a playground during Project Impact in 2008.

“We always assume we know what people need, but usually we don’t have a clue,” said Emily Carlson, coordinator for Union College’s annual volunteer event, “Project Impact gives students an opportunity to see through the eyes of the community and better understand what they’re needing.”

Last year, as assistant leader for Project Impact, Carlson delivered bagels to each site of the 50 sites where Union students were volunteering. In the middle of her journey, she spotted a homeless man. Thinking he could use a bite to eat, she stopped the car, grabbed a bag of bagels and handed it to him.

She drove away feeling good about her kind deed. As she looked in her rear view mirror she watched in shock as the homeless man opened a nearby trashcan and dumped the contents of the bag. He proceeded to shove his personal belongings in the bag and walked off with a smile.

Doodling, often viewed as a grade school pastime, has graduated to a college campus. Not usually viewed as art, doodles are ways to pass time and help concentrate. Perhaps they are on napkins or on the back of a handout; they are carefree, fluid creations that can contain as much personality and emotion as any canvas in a museum.

UNION COLLEGE PUBLIC NOTICE

Union College is seeking comments from its constituents about the college in preparation for periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. The college will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit October 19-21, 2009 by a team representing The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The visiting team will review evidence presented and make its recommendations to the commission. Following a review process, the commission itself will take the final action. Union College has been accredited by the commission since 1923.

You are invited to submit comments regarding the college to:

Public Comment on Union College
The Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs.

Comments must be in writing and signed; comments cannot be treated as confidential.

All comments must be received by September 18, 2009

Sand, sun and sleep are typical descriptors for spring break in the Bahamas—but for gymnasts from Union College, memories of the island nation are filled with a packed schedule, sore muscles, and spiritual fulfillment. From March 12-19, twenty-seven Union representatives spent their spring break performing gymnastic routines and travelling throughout the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.