From the College President's Desk
A message from College President Jane Fernandes
Dear Readers,
It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome the revival of The Antiochian. This publication serves as a vital conduit between our alumni and Antioch College, offering a platform for impactful news and storytelling. Through its pages, we celebrate the achievements of our graduates—changemakers who continue to make meaningful contributions to society—while reinforcing our shared sense of community and belonging.
As we embark on this new chapter with the relaunch of The Antiochian, I am delighted to reflect on the enduring legacy, present commitments, and future aspirations of Antioch College.
Honoring Our Past
Antioch College has a long-standing tradition of providing a rigorous liberal arts education that integrates academic study with experiential learning. Our commitment to linking education with meaningful work remains central to our mission, exemplified most recently by the distinguished achievement of becoming the first Federal Work College in Ohio. This designation underscores our dedication to innovation in higher education and to equipping students with the skills necessary for impactful careers.
Moreover, our student body reflects the evolving demographics of contemporary higher education. Despite the challenges facing institutions nationwide, Antioch College remains resolute in its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals feel a genuine sense of belonging.
Commitment to Present Transformations
I am immensely proud of the ongoing efforts of our faculty and staff, whose dedication and resilience sustain the College’s mission. Their unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student support is truly commendable and deserves recognition.
Recently, Dr. Queen Zabriskie, Professor and Director of the Coretta Scott King Center, successfully launched the Global Racial and Social Justice Summit: Another World Is Possible on our campus. After months of meticulous planning, nearly 100 participants representing diverse organizations and institutions gathered for a dynamic exchange of knowledge through workshops, speakers, artistic performances, and discussions. The lasting impact of this summit continues to resonate within our community, and we are deeply grateful to Dr. Zabriskie, Antioch’s JEDI team, and all those who contributed to this significant endeavor.
Additionally, in early March, the Coretta Scott King Center for Intellectual and Cultural Freedom hosted a student delegation from Georgetown University's Center for Social Justice. This visit featured a panel discussion with members of the Urban Native Collective on environmental justice from an Indigenous perspective, an exploration of the Antioch College Farm’s sustainable agricultural practices, and an introduction to the student-led Native Apothecary Garden, which cultivates traditional medicinal plants. These initiatives underscore our institutional commitment to sustainability, social justice, and experiential learning.
Furthermore, I am particularly inspired by the innovative strategies emerging from our Admissions Department. With refined marketing approaches and outreach efforts, we are broadening our recruitment initiatives to attract students who will thrive within Antioch’s unique academic environment. At a time when many institutions are retreating from their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Antioch College remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering a campus culture where all students feel valued and empowered.
Looking to the Future
As we officially launch the celebration of Antioch College’s 175th anniversary, we reflect on our rich history while embracing a vision for an even brighter future. Throughout the year, we will commemorate this milestone with a series of events and initiatives aimed at advancing our goals in admissions, cooperative education, and institutional development. We invite all members of our community to engage in these efforts, amplifying Antioch College’s reputation as both a distinguished and inclusive institution.
With gratitude and optimism, I look forward to the continued growth and success of Antioch College and to sharing this journey with all of you.
Warm regards,
Jane Fernandes