Dear Fellow Alumni of Woodbury University,

OUR NEXT GOAL IS 1000 SIGNATURES! 

We, the undersigned alumni of Woodbury University, write to you with a sense of urgency and concern regarding the proposed merger between Woodbury University and the University of Redlands. This merger has been presented to us with little transparency and insufficient information about its implications for our degrees, alumni networks, and overall educational legacy.

As proud graduates of Woodbury University, we cherish the values, traditions, and educational excellence that our alma mater has provided us for 140 years. However, the potential merger with the University of Redlands raises serious questions about the preservation of these values and the integrity of our degrees.

Despite our inquiries and concerns, there has been a conspicuous lack of updates or answers to crucial questions about the merger. We are left in the dark about how this merger will affect us and whom to contact for clarifications and guidance. While other stakeholders have been invited to forums, only a limited number of alumni have been involved through a survey with only 150 responses and a Zoom meeting with select attendees. This approach cannot be taken seriously as a representative sample of the entire alumni community. We demand transparent and inclusive communication channels that engage the broader alumni base to ensure that all voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process.

We believe that as stakeholders in the Woodbury community, our voices must be heard and our concerns addressed before any decision is made regarding the future of our beloved institution. Therefore, we urge our fellow alumni to join us in signing this petition to express our collective opposition to the merger with the University of Redlands until our questions are adequately answered and our concerns addressed.

Specifically, we demand:

Transparency: We request full disclosure of all relevant information regarding the proposed merger, including its impact on academic programs, faculty, students, alumni, and the overall identity of Woodbury University.

Assurance of Degree Validity: We seek assurances that our degrees from Woodbury University will retain their value and recognition in the professional world, both nationally and internationally, following any potential merger.

Alumni Engagement: We demand clear channels of communication and engagement for alumni to participate in the decision-making process and to receive updates on the progress and implications of the merger.

Protection of Woodbury's Legacy and Name: We insist on measures to safeguard the unique identity, culture, and traditions of Woodbury University, ensuring that its legacy is preserved for future generations of students and alumni. This includes maintaining the name "Woodbury University" in any discussions or negotiations regarding the merger. The name carries with it a rich history, tradition, and reputation that must not be diluted or lost in any rebranding or restructuring efforts. It is imperative that the integrity and recognition associated with the name "Woodbury University" endure as a testament to our alma mater's legacy and contributions to education. Any merger discussions must prioritize the retention of the Woodbury name to honor our institution's identity and the achievements of its alumni.

In solidarity, let us stand together to uphold the honor and integrity of Woodbury University.

By signing this petition, we affirm our commitment to safeguarding the interests of our alma mater and opposing any actions that may compromise its values and reputation.

Together, we can make our voices heard and ensure that the future of Woodbury University is determined with the utmost consideration for the concerns and aspirations of its alumni community.

Sincerely,

Woodbury University Alumni