SUBJECT - Richmond - Short Term Patches vs Long Term Solutions
Steve Rasch Chairman CTCF and counsel to AIFS -
srasch@loebblock.com
William Gertz, Chairman AIFS and member of CTCF -
wgertz@aifs.com
27th December 2019
To: The Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation
Attention:
(1) Mr. William Leon Gertz, President and CEO
(2) Mr. M. Stephan Rasch, Chairman
Dear Sirs,
The alumni of Richmond American International University in London understands that there is a Short Term patch of $3 million being currently negotiated and possibly granted to Richmond University. As great as this may sound, it doesn’t cover the basic repair and maintenance works needed, nor addresses the long term future of the University. All it does is perpetuate the same behaviour of dependency and control as has been the case for the last 30+ years.
The alumni of Richmond American International University in London are interested in a long-term solution for the University, holding the Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation (CTCF) and their subsidiary AIFS accountable for their actions, to avoid the possible closure of the University.
The University holds a special place in alumni's hearts—opening us to a world of acceptance, diversity, intercultural learning and lifelong friendships and global network. We are "Richmond College", and it is part of our identity. We are a family.
We understand that there has been a cycle over many years of some potential conflicts of interests, which seemed to have worsened once Sir Cyril passed in 2018 , when CTCF was entrusted with his legacy. This cycle, if proven to be true, needs to stop with immediate effect. It appears that not everyone whom Sir Cyril entrusted, supported his intentions to ensure the University would be successful, as we believe that some individuals may have conflicting motivations.
CTCF needs to ensure the University does not close. They should not focus on short term commercial interests, including selling the campuses and profiting from the University. With nearly $300 million, CTCF should use their resources to support the University’s future, as the charity's charter dictates.
CTCF and AIFS need to separate their commercial and charitable interests, and act with independence. They also need to pay attention to their statutory obligations as the landlord, of properly maintaining their properties, after years of long-term neglect and little investment. It is pertinent to note that they acquired the Richmond campus for only £300k, for which they have received tens of millions from the University in leasehold payments over many decades.
Under no circumstances should CTCF or AIFS put people’s livelihood at stake—students, faculty and staff. CTCF was wrong to demand the recently appointed President to resign in exchange for their charitable donations or releasing funds for health and safety, especially given the fact the President has been very supportive of Richmond alumni and students and was exploring important partnerships for the long-term future. This is no different from the past when other partnerships & facilities were being considered and eventually derailed during the tenure of former Presidents. This stranglehold on the university haunted their presidency and also forced their departures. Furthermore, this recent forced resignation could be considered a violation of UK laws on whistleblowing. Refer to the attached copy of the email demonstrating this.
It was reported that the University's new enrolment was up over 20% in 2019, so this demonstrates the Richmond community and the Richmond brand are strong.
CTCF is a charity and wholly owns AIFS. As a charity with hundreds of millions in pounds in valuation, it needs to honour Sir Cyril’s intentions to support the University and invest in its future investments as required, to allow the community to continue and succeed. Please fulfil your lawful and moral obligations as a charity to support the University.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Kind regards,
The alumni of Richmond American International University in London
cc: Charity Commission - whistleblowing@charitycommission.gov.uk
cc: Michael Berry, Treasurer of CTCF and Executive of AIFS - mberry@aifs.co.uk
cc: Chairman of the Richmond University Board of Trustees - Richard Resch - richardresch714@gmail.com
cc: Vice Chairman of the Richmond University Board of Trustees - Mary Richardson - damemary@btinternet.com
cc: Sarah Olney - Member of Parliament for Richmond - saraholneyrpnk@outlook.com
cc: Felicity Buchan – Member of Parliament for Kensington – felicity@felicitybuchan.com
cc: Gavin Williamson – Secretary of State for Education – gavin@gavinwilliamson.org
Petition Link with over 1000 supporters - https://www.change.org/p/american-institute-for-foreign-study-aifs-preserve-the-heritage-and-culture-of-richmond-the-americal-university-in-london