As an alumnus of Oakwood University, I am signing this petition as a stakeholder who is very concerned about the current conflict that has resulted in the pending Federal lawsuit styled, Oakwood University, Inc. vs. Oakwood University Alumni Association, Cause No. 5:18-cv-00870-MHH, Northern District of Alabama, Northeastern Division. (For more information directly from the plaintiff and defendant, please see the links below.)
http://oakwoodalumni.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/OUAA-Timeline-Update-4-22-18.pdf
As a concerned alumnus, I want a resolution of the conflict and impasse as detailed herein:
- Whereas, we feel that this pending lawsuit is an embarrassment to the Alumni, the students, and the school and will result in unnecessary collateral damage and unintended consequences to all of us;
- Whereas, it is our understanding that each party is planning separate Alumni Weekend events for April 2019;
- Whereas, we believe that conducting Alumni Weekend in 2019 will be counterproductive to the purpose and mission of the weekend;
- Whereas, we, concerned Alumni, want both parties to lay down their swords and shields, resolve the lawsuit and jointly conduct Alumni Weekend for 2019;
Be it resolved that by signature attached, we concerned Alumni are demanding the following actions be taken immediately:
- The parties in the lawsuit styled Oakwood University, Inc. vs. Oakwood University Alumni Association, Cause No. 5:18-cv-00870-MHH, Northern District of Alabama, Northeastern Division, should each instruct their attorneys to ABATE the lawsuit and seek a spiritual rather than legal resolution of the disagreement;
- The parties should announce JOINT plans for the 2019 Alumni Weekend with a focus on forgiveness, reconciliation, healing, and forging forward together to build up the school, students, and Alumni;
- If, in the unfortunate event, the parties cannot agree to work together for the 2019 Alumni Weekend, then an announcement should be promptly made CANCELING all activities for the 2019 Alumni Weekend and encouraging those who would have attended to make contributions to student scholarships;
- Finally, the University and the Alumni Association should jointly establish an ad hoc committee of Alumni who are not employed by or serve in any official capacity with either organization to recommend a solution to this stalemate.
Signed:
_____________________________________
Name, graduating class or attending years
Updates
January 27, 2019
I started this because I felt lost watching our history become a legal battle. The stories you have all shared in the comments prove that this belongs to the community rather than to me. I am working to find the right way to present this momentum to those in charge.
34 Comments
We are FAR better than this. To risk the destruction of such a rich and life-transforming mission and legacy is simply unacceptable. Let the Spirit of God possess the process, and sacrifice the cult of personalities and pride on the altar of restoration and righteousness. Blessings.
Class of 2008 I believe this matter needs to be resolved in a better manner. How does this look to others looking in? What example are we giving? What does this teach the younger ones? Lead by example. Enter to learn and depart to serve is our mission.. let's build each other up not tear each other down.
As a former student, SDA Christian and faithful contributor to Oakwood University, unless this trivial standoff can be resolved, at least for the purpose of a “joint” Alumni Weekend, then it should be cancelled for 2019. Let the next year be spent resolving this unfortunate situation.
I support this. I've been coming to Alumni Weekend since it's inception which is most of my 60 years of life! I would drive through rain to get to it!!! This year however.......Where we are right now is a hot mess!!! If OU and OUAA are unwilling to truly seek resolution truthfully, prayerfully and in Honor to God, I cannot imagine the consequences that He will exact!! Get it together!! "To whom much is given....." Class of 1981. Daughter of Donald Green (1973) Shirley Green (1975) sister of Stephen Green (1984) wife of Edward T. Goodman, III, (Attended 1978) Mother of Edward T. Goodman, IV (2010)
Even though I did not attend Oakwood University, it has blessed my life in the following ways: My husband is an OU alumnus (Class of '92). The late Pastor E.T. Mimms, who led me to Christ and baptized me at age 8, was an OU alumnus. The late Dr. Joseph Warren, my English professor at Andrews University, who was a father figure during my college years, was an OU alumnus. Our autistic son used his letters to spell "OAKWOOD UNIVERSITY". Oakwood has been used by the Lord to impact and bless my life in so many ways. This division is terrible! Resolve it in the name of Jesus!!!
I am planning to attend alumni 2019...but i agree it should be postponed until lawsuit has ended
Too much blame is on the regional presidents and not the trustee board leader. They did not care. In 1965 students could not reason with the regional presidents, so we had to strike. Not allowing the trustee board leadership to ignore our concerns. The regional presidents obviously folded than as they put themselves first and Oakwood second. At that time('65) students were taken for granted as we are allowing now. Please ask for a meeting with the Trustee board president. Can an injunction be filed against this lawsuit?
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As an alumnus of Oakwood University, I am signing this petition as a stakeholder who is very concerned about the current conflict that has resulted in the pending Federal lawsuit styled, Oakwood University, Inc. vs. Oakwood University Alumni Association, Cause No. 5:18-cv-00870-MHH, Northern District of Alabama, Northeastern Division. (For more information directly from the plaintiff and defendant, please see the links below.)
http://oakwoodalumni.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/OUAA-Timeline-Update-4-22-18.pdf
As a concerned alumnus, I want a resolution of the conflict and impasse as detailed herein:
- Whereas, we feel that this pending lawsuit is an embarrassment to the Alumni, the students, and the school and will result in unnecessary collateral damage and unintended consequences to all of us;
- Whereas, it is our understanding that each party is planning separate Alumni Weekend events for April 2019;
- Whereas, we believe that conducting Alumni Weekend in 2019 will be counterproductive to the purpose and mission of the weekend;
- Whereas, we, concerned Alumni, want both parties to lay down their swords and shields, resolve the lawsuit and jointly conduct Alumni Weekend for 2019;
Be it resolved that by signature attached, we concerned Alumni are demanding the following actions be taken immediately:
- The parties in the lawsuit styled Oakwood University, Inc. vs. Oakwood University Alumni Association, Cause No. 5:18-cv-00870-MHH, Northern District of Alabama, Northeastern Division, should each instruct their attorneys to ABATE the lawsuit and seek a spiritual rather than legal resolution of the disagreement;
- The parties should announce JOINT plans for the 2019 Alumni Weekend with a focus on forgiveness, reconciliation, healing, and forging forward together to build up the school, students, and Alumni;
- If, in the unfortunate event, the parties cannot agree to work together for the 2019 Alumni Weekend, then an announcement should be promptly made CANCELING all activities for the 2019 Alumni Weekend and encouraging those who would have attended to make contributions to student scholarships;
- Finally, the University and the Alumni Association should jointly establish an ad hoc committee of Alumni who are not employed by or serve in any official capacity with either organization to recommend a solution to this stalemate.
Signed:
_____________________________________
Name, graduating class or attending years
Updates
January 27, 2019
I started this because I felt lost watching our history become a legal battle. The stories you have all shared in the comments prove that this belongs to the community rather than to me. I am working to find the right way to present this momentum to those in charge.
34 Comments
As a proud member of the class of 1981 and a Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association, this current status saddens me. My late mother, Marie Seard(Academy, 1957), was a staunch supporter of the institution, and long-time Alumni Association Regional Vice-President. Her heart would be broken over this. This can be resolved if there is a will to do so. This is a sin-sick problem, and there is a Balm in Gilead. But it is a human problem, caused by humans, easily solved by humans. God grant the will to do so.
We are FAR better than this. To risk the destruction of such a rich and life-transforming mission and legacy is simply unacceptable. Let the Spirit of God possess the process, and sacrifice the cult of personalities and pride on the altar of restoration and righteousness. Blessings.
Class of 2008 I believe this matter needs to be resolved in a better manner. How does this look to others looking in? What example are we giving? What does this teach the younger ones? Lead by example. Enter to learn and depart to serve is our mission.. let's build each other up not tear each other down.
As a former student, SDA Christian and faithful contributor to Oakwood University, unless this trivial standoff can be resolved, at least for the purpose of a “joint” Alumni Weekend, then it should be cancelled for 2019. Let the next year be spent resolving this unfortunate situation.
I support this. I've been coming to Alumni Weekend since it's inception which is most of my 60 years of life! I would drive through rain to get to it!!! This year however.......Where we are right now is a hot mess!!! If OU and OUAA are unwilling to truly seek resolution truthfully, prayerfully and in Honor to God, I cannot imagine the consequences that He will exact!! Get it together!! "To whom much is given....." Class of 1981. Daughter of Donald Green (1973) Shirley Green (1975) sister of Stephen Green (1984) wife of Edward T. Goodman, III, (Attended 1978) Mother of Edward T. Goodman, IV (2010)
Even though I did not attend Oakwood University, it has blessed my life in the following ways: My husband is an OU alumnus (Class of '92). The late Pastor E.T. Mimms, who led me to Christ and baptized me at age 8, was an OU alumnus. The late Dr. Joseph Warren, my English professor at Andrews University, who was a father figure during my college years, was an OU alumnus. Our autistic son used his letters to spell "OAKWOOD UNIVERSITY". Oakwood has been used by the Lord to impact and bless my life in so many ways. This division is terrible! Resolve it in the name of Jesus!!!
I am planning to attend alumni 2019...but i agree it should be postponed until lawsuit has ended
Too much blame is on the regional presidents and not the trustee board leader. They did not care. In 1965 students could not reason with the regional presidents, so we had to strike. Not allowing the trustee board leadership to ignore our concerns. The regional presidents obviously folded than as they put themselves first and Oakwood second. At that time('65) students were taken for granted as we are allowing now. Please ask for a meeting with the Trustee board president. Can an injunction be filed against this lawsuit?
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As a proud member of the class of 1981 and a Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association, this current status saddens me. My late mother, Marie Seard(Academy, 1957), was a staunch supporter of the institution, and long-time Alumni Association Regional Vice-President. Her heart would be broken over this. This can be resolved if there is a will to do so. This is a sin-sick problem, and there is a Balm in Gilead. But it is a human problem, caused by humans, easily solved by humans. God grant the will to do so.