See what our College community has been up to in the past month in our Campus Recap.
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WORK CREWS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AT THE START OF SPRING TERM
Students are springing into action this term working in their crews on the Antioch Farm, in Admissions, and many other areas of the College.
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ADMITTED STUDENTS VISIT CAMPUS
This month Antioch College proudly hosted a group of admitted students who plan to begin their journey here in fall 2026. During the overnight visit the group enjoyed a visit to the local Raptor Center, a common co-op site for students interested in learning more about rescuing and rehabilitating birds of prey.
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STUDENTS BUILD COMMUNITY THROUGH PICKLEBALL
Antioch College Pickleball Club is a great time for students to gather together in community, practice team building, and just hit the ball! The students directly engaged with the club are Lee Wade, Heather Cain (founder), Calder Kraince, and Axel Slowe.
Photo credit: Michael Burrs, Antioch College Media student
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A CRISP MORNING ON THE ANTIOCH FARM
“This is why farmers get up early,” said Bruce Linebaugh, Antioch Farm Manager.
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HISTORY PROFESSOR SPEAKS AT WYSO UNION SCHOOLHOUSE RIBBON CUTTING
Kevin McGruder, Associate Professor of History, opened the ribbon cutting ceremony for WYSO’s news headquarters at the Union Schoolhouse in Yellow Springs. He spoke about why the preservation of buildings like the Union Schoolhouse are vital.
An excerpt from his remarks:
“In 1887, legislation repealing the provision of the state law requiring racially segregated schools was passed. With it, Black children in Yellow Springs were able to attend the Union School House. After a rocky first year in which some Black parents kept their children in the Black schools and some White parents protested the integration order, in the 1888 school year, Black and White children attended the Union School house together. A generation later, a 1920s photograph of Black and White students on this lawn illustrates the success of children of all races learning together. This is an important Yellow Springs story that might have been lost to memory without the physical presence of this building as a reminder.”
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Thanks to the tremendous generosity of alumni and friends, we reached our March Match goal and unlocked the full impact of matching funds. We are deeply grateful to everyone who stepped forward in support of this effort.
During the campaign, we featured Scott Wheeler, one of our key matching donors, who reflected on the lasting impact Antioch had on his life and encouraged fellow alumni to join him in giving. You answered that call—thank you.
Now, with the results officially in, Scott reflects on the meaning of his investment and the way it continues to support a place that empowers students to learn, grow, and act with purpose.
As a longtime donor and advocate for current and future Antiochians, Scott shares this message for students:
“I implore Antioch students to look deep inside at all times and search within for the right course of action and feeling. In the moment, various experiences may seem fleeting and unimportant, but I am here to tell you that each and every decision you make will matter far more than you will ever know.”
We are grateful to Scott, and to every March Match donor, for making the decision to support our students and to uplift our community.
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From the College’s earliest days to the present, Antiochians have carried their values beyond campus and into public life—shaping policy, leadership, and civic institutions in moments of national and global change. Whether serving in elected office, advising presidents, or leading communities through complex transitions, Antioch alumni have long brought curiosity, courage, and a commitment to the public good into the political sphere.
The following profiles from the archives—spanning more than a century—highlight some of the Antiochians whose paths into politics were shaped by service, opportunity, and a willingness to lead when called.
Warren Keifer, class of 1860. While he was only enrolled for a year at Antioch College in 1854, Keifer went on to be an Antioch College trustee for almost sixty years. Born on a Clark County farm in 1836, like so many others of his generation, he enlisted in the Union Army when the Civil War broke out in 1861. He rose to the rank of general by war’s end in 1865, and his experiences led him into public life. In 1868 he was elected to the State Senate of Ohio and in 1876 he ran for Congress to represent the 8th district of Ohio. He served three consecutive terms in the House of Representatives, one as the Speaker (1881-1883). In 1885 he returned to Springfield to practice law, and was reelected to Congress in 1904, serving until 1911.
Anne Cook Whitman, class of 1931. Anne Cook entered Antioch College in 1926 but left school for a secretary’s job in New York City because she fell in love with Manhattan while there on co-op at The Institute of Child Guidance. Contacts she made at the Institute led to an interest in Republican politics, and in 1952 she joined Citizens for Eisenhower. Three weeks before the Republican National Convention, Anne filled in for the retired five-star general’s secretary, who was sick that day, and she never relinquished the job. She would be the first person appointed to Eisenhower’s White House staff and remained perhaps his closest confidante through both terms of his presidency.
John de Jongh, class of 1981. Though raised on the island of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, de Jongh attended Catholic Central High School in Detroit, MI. He studied economics at Antioch College and went back to the Caribbean after graduation to join the Tri-Island Economic Development Council. Later, as first Country Consumer Manager for Chase Manhattan bank, he instituted several reforms to benefit the citizens of both the US and British Virgin Islands. Subsequent administrative posts, such as executive director of the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority, led him to run for Governor in 2002, finishing second as an independent candidate. In 2006 he ran again, this time as a Democrat, defeating his opponent in a runoff. He was reelected in 2010. Among other accomplishments during his tenure, de Jongh oversaw the completion of a fiber optic network and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
Though their stories unfold in different eras and political contexts, these Antiochians share a common thread: a readiness to engage with the world as it is, and to help shape what it can become. Their journeys—from classrooms and co-ops to chambers of power—reflect Antioch’s enduring belief in experiential learning, ethical leadership, and service beyond self.
Then and now, Antiochians continue to step forward—bringing thoughtful action to the public square and leaving their mark on history.
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THE CORETTA SCOTT KING CENTER
The Coretta Scott King Center at Antioch College continues Mrs. King’s vision of the Beloved Community by advancing racial and social justice through education, dialogue, and action. Sponsors help sustain transformative programs like the Global Racial & Social Justice Summit, Freedom Forums, student resource spaces, and community care projects. As we prepare to celebrate the Center’s 20th anniversary in 2026 and Mrs. King’s 100th birthday in 2027, we invite you to partner with us in this vital work.
Learn more at antiochcollege.edu/cskc. Email Jera Oliver if you are interested.
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LEE WADE ’25 JOINS NEW COHORT OF DAYTON DEMOCRACY FELLOWS
The Charles F. Kettering Foundation recently announced their new cohort of Dayton Democracy Fellows, a program that supports innovative leaders, changemakers, and dreamers who are building movements for inclusive democracy in their communities.
Congratulations to recent grad Lee Wade ’25, for his inclusion in the 2026 Cohort!
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Lee Wade is the creator, host, and producer of Translucent, a podcast and radio program on WYSO 91.3 FM that centers transgender and nonbinary voices through community-based conversations designed to foster learning, connection, and accountability.
As a Black trans man from Dayton, Wade uses journalism and audio media as tools for advocacy, relationship building, and inclusive democracy. Through his reporting and community-based programming, he explores how storytelling can strengthen civic life, build understanding across differences, and help communities engage more fully in democratic life.
Read more about the Fellowship on the Foundation’s website and Lee’s show on Translucent’s website.
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REUNION 2026: ANTIOCH FEAST
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Join us for a feast of ideas and celebration during Reunion 2026, JULY 16-19
Antiochians young and old, near and far: It’s time to reunite in YSO! Let’s break bread with a glass of wine and compelling conversations. All are welcome at this table! Join Antiochians from every corner of the world in Yellow Springs as we celebrate Antioch College’s unique commitment to the science, politics, history, culinary arts, and aesthetics of food and wine. Join us at the Antioch Feast!
The schedule of events include social hours, engaging panels, an art fair, presidential address, Alumni Association meeting, performances and screenings, award ceremonies, tours, and shared meals. We also have our perennial favorite activities: the Thursday bonfire, Cabaret Horace on Friday, and on Saturday, DIV Dance!
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HISTORY WITH SCOTT: ANTIOCH COLLEGE LECTURE SERIES
Join us at OK Library or online for a series of entertaining presentations on Antioch’s notable 175-year history. These talks are free and open to the public. Attend in person, or join virtually via Zoom.
DATES AND TOPICS
OKL & Zoom, 12:30-1:30 pm
RSVP for the series.
May 13 – Red, Russians, and Spies
Two former professors who used Antioch as a haven from dangerous Russian and Communist spies; one for real, and the other maybe in his head.
June 10 – Why So Many Damn Colleges in Ohio
An attempt to explain the reason for the establishment of over eighty small colleges in the great state of Ohio.
July 8 – Antioch and The Civil War
A history of Antioch College during the central event in American history, the US Civil War, including exploits and experiences of Antiochians who served in the conflict.
August 12 – The Devil and Daniel Ellsberg or How Scott Got Fired
A brief history of Antiochiana and a harrowing personal account of Scott’s experiences with Antioch University.
September 9 – The Life of Hugh Taylor Birch
The improbable rags to riches story of a dropout from the 1860s who gave Antioch College a glen (and so much more) and has a dormitory named in his honor.
October 14 – Women of the Glen
The lives of three women associated with the College’s former nature preserve: a scientist, an art collector, and a sculptor.
November 11 – My Hero Horace Mann
A biographical picture show about Antioch College’s first president.
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Alumni Engagement Opportunities
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REUNION CLASS AGENTS NEEDED
We’re looking for class agents for Reunion! Is this an anniversary year for you? Help us get your class to turn out for this special event. We’ll set you up with a roster and you’ll contact your classmates to encourage them to attend. Email Alumni Relations to help get the word out: it’s time to reunite in YSO!
The big ones: 1976 will be celebrating their 50th anniversary and the Class of 2001 their 25th. But there’s more! 2021’s 5th; 2016’s 10th; 2006’s 20th; 1996’s 30th; 1991’s 35th; 1986’s 40th; 1981’s 45th; 1971’s 55th; 1966’s 60th; and 1961’s 65th.
We’d love to organize several volunteers from each graduation class to participate. Get in touch with reunion planners to join in! For more info, visit the Reunion website.
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VOLUNTEER WORK PROJECT
VWP is an alumni-led volunteer corps that donates their time and labor to the College several times a year. Alums and friends return to campus for a week, working on everything from grounds-keeping to repairs to administrative tasks. Delicious meals and housing is provided.
RSVP now for a uniquely Antiochian volunteer opportunity!
Summer Project, July 13-16 – Reunion is July 16-19
Fall Project, October 19-23
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EcoFarm and Food Foresting Certificate Program
Over three weekends in July
Weekend 1: July 11 & 12, 2026
Soil Health, Nutrient Cycling & Small Farm/Garden Planning
Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Weekend 2: July 18 & 19, 2026
Specialty Crops for the Market Garden & Community Engagement
Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Weekend 3: July 25 & 26, 2026
Regenerative Practices, Native Plants & Food Forest Pollinators
Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Registration: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/z8mgjg/event/antiochecofarmfoodforestingprogram/
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Coretta Scott King Legacy Banquet Fundraiser
Join us for an evening of inspiration as we celebrate 20 years of the Coretta Scott King Center.
Sunday, April 26th, 2026
Where: Springfield Museum of Art, 107 Cliff Park Rd, Springfield, OH 45504
When: 5:00 PM Check-in | Program starts at 5:30 PM
The Evening Includes:
Dinner
CSKC Anniversary Presentation
Live Music
Fundraising Opportunities
Panel: Facing Contemporary Human Rights Challenges
Commencement 2026
Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 10 AM
Sunday Funday at the Foundry Theater and on The Farm
You’re invited to gather for a family-friendly joyful spring Sunday filled with fresh flavors, community, and celebration at the Foundry Theater and on the Antioch Farm!
Join us for Sunday Funday, a special pre-performance experience honoring the close of the Foundry’s 2025–2026 season and tours of Antioch Farm commemoration of the kickoff of National Herb Week.
Where: Foundry Theatre at Antioch College and Antioch Farm
When: Sunday May 3 from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
RSVP: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/idksv2/event/sundayfunday/
The Big Family Business
The BIG FAMILY BUSINESS is at it again, making performance art rooted in tradition but alive in the here and now. The Family is happy to be sharing two new works: a retelling of the “Ant and the Grasshopper” with master puppeteer and mask-maker, Tristan Cupp; and a percussive dive into the concept of “staying at the table” featuring banjo music.
Where: Foundry Theater at Antioch College
When: May 2 at 7 PM (Tickets) and May 3 at 2 PM (Tickets)
Roots and Wings Youth Camp
Planting life skills for grounded and confident growth
A summer day camp filled with Farm Adventures, Fitness Fun, Performing Arts, Culinary Activities, Social Awareness, Creative Writing & Crafts & Games.
For: Recommended for students entering 2nd grade – 6th grade, Fall 2025
When: Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 10, 2026, 9am-4pm Daily
Location: Wellness Center at Antioch College
Register your child today!
Summer Arts Institute: Myths Magic and Folklore thru Clay and the Creative Spirit
Antioch College invites you to a week-long creative workshop exploring Myths, Magic, and Folklore through Clay and the Creative Spirit. This immersive experience is designed for adults interested in bringing stories to life through handcrafted mixed-media figures.
When: July 26 – August 1, 2026
Where: Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387
Registration: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/herndongallery/event/mythsmagicandfolklorethruclayandthecreativespirit/
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Arrivals, Departures, Transitions, & Milestones
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Welcome New Staff
Randall Ortlieb, Office Manager and Campus Visit Coordinator for the Office of Admission
Welcome New Faculty
Nathan Lipps
Stephanie Beiser
Josh Whitaker
Transitions
Congratulations to Dr. Dean Snyder, Dean of Faculty, who has been promoted to Principal Academic Officer
Milestones
2026-2027 SOCHE Excellence Award Recipients
Faculty Excellence Award: Jacqueline Gaines
Staff Excellence Award: Monique Cooper
Campus Impact Award: Meg Miller
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