‘Judson Legacy on the Move’ Luncheon ~ July 10th, 2023
The Always A Judson luncheon held yesterday in the Milo B. Howard auditorium, on Monday, July 10th in Montgomery resulted in another special time of alumnae reminiscing about their time at Judson, enjoying the historical displays on each table from 1899-1920, and discussing opportunities for the future of our Judson Legacy. Director Steve Murray of the Alabama Department of Archives and History welcomed our alumnae to their site and invited everyone to tour their upstairs gallery following the luncheon. His team provided an excellent private exhibit of their Judson collection in the Research Room and were well versed and eager to share those items.
AAJ Board members reflected on the many successes of the past two and a half years and thanked alumnae for their contributions during several short-term fundraisers and donated items that secured approximately 5000 historical Judson College items and memorabilia in four auctions that are now “officially” owned by the alumnae and will continue to be exhibited on J-Days and during the December Judson Legacy Teas until a semi-permanent location is established. Immediate plans are underway to begin the digitization of these items which will involve needed alumnae participation and continued exploration of museums around the state to host limited exhibits representing our Judson history.
What comes next? A permanent or semi-permanent location to house and display the Judson Legacy Collection will be key to telling the Judson Story, engaging a wide audience in the threads of its history and the importance of women’s higher education. Accomplished singularly or in conjunction with another museum, its success will require professional expertise, a widespread and diverse group of supporters, the right location, a significant financial plan, and sustained commitment by alumnae.
“As we grow our footprint, there are daunting challenges that will require a more extensive base of collaborators, but the Judson Legacy Project could ultimately serve as a catalyst for an Alabama Women’s History Museum. With a much broader scope, it would be more likely to gain significant support and funding for our legacy and impact more women beyond our lifetimes”
BOT Chairman Joan Newman and current President of the Judson College (JC) Foundation greeted everyone with gratitude and stated, “the Legacy is right here in this room, and it is our responsibility to tell the history and to mentor other young women.” She emphasized that the Board of Trustees (BOT) was very prayerful and deliberate with their difficult decision ultimately resulting in the suspension academic teaching on Judson’s campus (July 31, 2021), and they continue to be tasked with closing out the requirements of SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), student aid, financial matters, legal matters, etc. She asked that we please understand that there is some information and details that must remain confidential or would put other matters at risk.
In response to many questions, Newman stated that ownership of the campus now resides with the Judson Foundation who has entered into a lease agreement with Judson College for continued use (and management) of the facility. The temporary foundation board members (J. Newman, D. Robinson, D. Halbrooks and J. Sanford) intend to hire a staff director to manage the foundation. There has been thorough exploration with the state community college system, but there is no interest due to proximity of other campuses. Newman confirmed there have been several conversations with Judson University, but she is unaware of other areas of interest.
The BOT originally advertised the campus through a high-powered real estate firm in New York City with national exposure but there currently doesn’t seem to be a market for a campus in Marion, Alabama. There are two administrative employees on the campus now (Tracy Foster and Charlotte Clements) and JC President D. Robinson is working mostly remotely. Maintenance is being handled by a modest crew, which is paid for by the college. An insurance adjuster has assessed roofing issues, and they are aware that the cost will be significant, but don’t have official answers yet.
“This is a Judson Reset,” stated Newman. “The city of Marion is very interested in a vital entity assuming the campus whether for corporate or leadership training, the state initiative in the summer for 5th grade girls, etc. They have been very supportive of us over the years, and we need to bring a vital employer back to the community.”
To date, Judson College and the creditors have all ‘signed off’ on a settlement. The Attorney General appointed a representative to review and reverse several restricted funds as there were no longer survivors attached to those funds so that the funds can now be linked to the settlement. The matter is now with a Perry County Judge to be approved with signature.
In response to other specific questions, Joan remarked that she is unsure if the chapel’s Flentrop Pipe organ has been sold or if the time capsule of 1988 signifying the Sesquicentennial celebration is still on campus property. When asked if alumnae could help with the foundation she stated thankfully, “right now, alumnae need to focus on what AAJ is doing with the Judson Legacy Project. This should be your focus.”
At the conclusion of the luncheon, alumnae and former faculty stood together and proudly sang “There’ll Always be a Judson,” led by alumna Mary Amelia Taylor.
