As local trustees of the Sage Colleges, we would like to share our concern that a recent front-page story ("Critical point at Sage Colleges," Aug. 17) paints a misleading picture of Sage's health and trajectory.
This summer, we participated in a two-day retreat with the president and her staff, with whom we reviewed the past five years at Sage. The "then and now" snapshots were starkly different and instilled a renewed sense of pride and accomplishment among us all.
Against headwinds that have challenged all — and severely buffeted many — Sage's progress is especially impressive. President Susan Scrimshaw arrived in 2008 and led a strategic focusing process that helped reshape the institution's structure and business model with the themes "relevant and excellent." Implementing the model, internally and externally, created an exciting vitality while restoring the institution's financial direction.
Dramatic growth in student application and enrollment, alumni giving and major fundraising, and improvements to facilities in both Troy and Albany are signs that Sage is on the move and having many successes.
John Hicks
Fred Miller
Debby Onslow
Chet Opalka
Sage Colleges trustees