Dear Alums and Friends,

Only last year Shimer College made its bold move to Chicago; this year we have begun to realize our full potential as a citizen of Chicago. Shimer is growing towards a clear vision: Building a stable financial future for the long run, engaging in joint ventures with the Chicago Public Schools, IIT and other Chicago institutions, and thriving as a fiercely independent institution with a rare and valuable contribution to American education. These accomplishments were executed by a staff, faculty, and board of trustees committed to the spirit of Shimer, and made possible by the generous stewardship, activism, and outreach of alums and friends. Shimer is stronger than it has been in forty years, and from that strength we will attract a new President committed to the flourishing of Shimer as the Great Books College of Chicago. 

In October 2007, we initiated the Shimer Renaissance Project, a two-and-a-half year business plan designed to strengthen revenue generators and stabilize finances for the long run. I am pleased to report that of the $3.1 million goal, more than $1,055,000 has already been raised. Renaissance contributors include the prestigious Mellon Foundation and the Kemper Foundation.

As I write, we project 60 new students for Fall 2008, which will bring our student body from 67 to 105. Next year’s recruitment materials invite prospective students to participate in a new articulation agreement with Chicago-Kent College of Law, a joint program enabling Shimer students to complete a Shimer B.A. and a J.D. in six years.

I look forward to hearing more of your stories at the upcoming Shimer reunion on June 13-15, and I am pleased to announce that Dr. Shirley Conibear, M.D. (Shimer ’68) will give the keynote speech. Shirley has been opening doors so that we can move our innovative and successful graduate teacher education program home to Chicago. An alum whose life has been transformed by Shimer, Shirley will tell you first-hand about the excitement being generated by Shimer’s move to Chicago.

I am convinced that the vision for Shimer in Chicago is clear and compelling. However, it is achievable only if those who truly love it become its strongest supporters and advocates.

Since arriving at Shimer in early September, I have come to appreciate first-hand what my friends at Shimer College had told me so often -- that Shimer’s curriculum and conversational method, so clearly focused on the students as the responsible parties in their own educations -- is truly unique among colleges and universities.

Ronald O. Champagne

To make a contribution today, contact the Advancement Office, and revisit this space to hear news about the Campaign for Shimer College in Chicago.