Alumni Support of Mount Retirees

MSM is a Catholic institution with Catholic values. Make sure it stays that way! -Amelia Garland- Class of '05

I was shocked to learn of the unwise and reckless actions of the new president of Mount St. Mary's. I do hope that the Board of Trustees takes proper ethical action.

Elizabeth DiNapoli, M.Ed. Director of Clerkship Education New York Insitute of Technology Old Westbury, NY. While I believe the truth of what actually transpired here lies somewhere in the middle and I don't necessarily agree with the proprosed retention plan, I am however furious of the firing of tenured professors without due process. The demotion of Dr. Rehm is abominable. He is the reason I am here today writing this. I could have and would have been one of those bunnies if it weren't for him. He is one of the most pragmatic people I know.

Former Mount Employee- Admissions, and Former Mount MBA Student

Class of 2011

I too was changed by the Mount, and love my professors. I am signing this petition and stroking a check to the Mount today, and to my parish, because they raised me right. The reason I am signing, is that one cannot comment on this page unless you sign. Many people who come to this page likely wonder where they are no comments in support of the tough but likely very necessary decisions. I understand today that the retirees retirement plan was not cut. I understand today that health benefits were sun-setted for retirees by the board and President Houston in 1996. In response to that, I understand that the cash stipend benefit in question was voted in by the then current employees as the healthcare benefit was sun-setted - and excluded all retirees who were not at the mount at that time. 20 years later, and many millions of dollars later, the board put an end to a cash benefit that was decided by the employees themselves. I understand that the mount could not afford the extra cash payment then, and certainly not after the Powell credit card landed us in junk bond status. What does not seem fair is that all retirees don't have the same benefits. And, it seems to me that a payout to some - voted in by those same people, and excluding others is wrong, and was wrong in the first place. I pray every day for the Mount. I pray for its vibrancy, and that it can make the transition to its next phase.

When I first came to the Mount I had no idea who I wanted to be when I grew up but the Mount faculty and liberal arts curriculum provided me with an opportunity I cherish still to this day. I graduated in '08 with a BS in business and can appreciate your background and how you can use it to help the Mount but I believe firmly it's important to not lose sight of what has drawn people to the Mount for over 200 years among the rebranding and cuts. The liberal arts education I received was invaluable to me and while I've made a successful career in business (growing and selling a business and then starting my own business before the age of 30), I especially cherish the philosophy classes I took. For a young mind they are crucial in discovering oneself. The professors are what made the experience and made me love learning again. I see you are looking to make cuts and I know these are not easy decisions but I sincerely hope you will reconsider and give the faculty the benefits they were promised. I hope you'll have an open dialogue as well. The Mount is known for being a place where everyone knows your name and discussion is encouraged. That's why we pay the big bucks. I urge you to reconsider.

Class of 2010 Please reconsider the decisions that have been made regarding the retirees from the Mount. The retirees are the people that made our Mount experiences unforgettable and they deserve their benefits that they were promised.

The Mount as taught me that Catholics have a commitment to family, community, and in particular, those who are most vulnerable. I hope and pray, that this institution can once again to embody the ideals that it teaches.

I am very proud to say that I am a graduate of the Mount, primarily because of it's strong Catholic identity. However, President Newman, the recent news I've heard from campus (about retiree benefits as well as more private issues) has made me seriously concerned about the future of the university and whether the class of 2014 will have been the last to say they experienced a genuinely Catholic education; the example of the faculty and administration is essential! If we cannot see the content of a Catholic curriculum put into practice by the university on its own campus, the four pillars are stripped of meaning. Please take our requests into serious, prayerful consideration.

Class of 1992

I stand with the Mount retirees. They deserve our support just as they have given us support for so many years. Class of '09.

class of 2011

c'16

Class of 2014

Faith, Discovery, Leadership, Community. Hoping, that the four pillars we learned so clearly, will be demonstrated with productive and just decisions.

I was saddened to hear of the decision to terminate the retiree health insurance benefits. Dedicated professors and staff deserve better.

Class of 2010

Class of 2011

Don't let the Mount be the next Sweet Briar!!!!