Source:  The Original Vermont Observer, 31 August 2005
www.vermontobserver.com

Three Cheers for Landmark College Count me among the many who are overjoyed by the continued success of Landmark College in Putney. In fact, the time between its opening and this year's 20th anniversary seems to have gone by in the blink of an eye. Some historical perspective, if you please. The 1960's and early 70's found the former Windham College to be a thriving educational complex, where many a local pursued higher education, and went on to success as teachers, business people and the like. By the time this shy guy walked on campus, in the fall of 1976, student population, and the school itself, were on the decline. For some pig headed reason, I chose not to go back for a second year. I don't think the loss of my 900 dollars per semster of in-state tuition, and how did I pass up a bargain like than, were solely responsible for the doors slamming shut just a semester later. A couple of years pass, and Putney Slectmen (back then, they were still called men) get and reject a proposal for locating a new federal prison on the site. Next, Landmark came calling, and it was a match made in heaven. Landmark College was, as I remember, an outgrowth of the Landmark School of Beverly, Mass. James Oliver, who became the college's first president, told us eager Vermontster reporter types back then of the school's success while helping learning disabled children. Their goal, circa 1984, was to create the nation's first college level program dedicated exclusively to young adults otherwise frustrated by our nation's educational system. I remember sitting with Oliver in the lobby of the Saxton's River Inn, as he eagerly described the Landmark model. Fast-forward a couple of decades, Landmark is a HUGE SUCCESS, offering two Associate Degree programs, and opening a national center to help teachers nationwide learn strategies for helping children who otherwise would fall through the cracks of academia. Landmark President Doctor Lynda Katz is even talking about opening a pre-college program, for students who need additional help before hitting their freshman year. What tickles my fancy most, however, is last week's re-dedication of the former Windham Science Building, where I often fell asleep during an 8 a.m. calculus class. The building was the last of the former Windham Quadrangle to be resoted to its former and future splendor. Thanks Landmark, for graduating at the top of the class.~ Tim Johnson is News Director at Brattleboro Radio Station WTSA, hear him daily on 96.7 FM.