Faculty and students gathered on the Eisenwinter soccer field Tuesday at noon to voice their concerns about the future of North Idaho College.
Some held signs, others came to show solidarity.
The miniscule crowd sang in a chorus with direction by Music instructor Max Mendez holding a bullhorn. Almost everyone partook in singing, showing that their are people who want to save the college.
“Justice for our community, rise for NIC,” sang the crowd. And on, they sang “the truth will set us free, truth will set us all free, rise for NIC.”
“Leadership has got to go,” sang Mendez holding the bullhorn.
Just as Mendez said those words, a woman walked into the circle holding a sign that said “Save NIC,” with a call for trustees Mike Waggoner, Todd Banducci, and Chair Greg McKenzie to resign.
As the singing died down, one by one individuals from the crowd spoke on what NIC meant for them and why the college matters.
Jason Droesch, who works in the Math department, attended the gathering to show support.
Droesch said that this place is part of his community.
“I want to make sure that this college is around for future students,” said Droesch.
Droesch hopes to get enough sound bites so the community hears authentic voices. Whether on the news or in the paper, it is to show the impact of the “board shenanigans” that are doing to people who are actually on the ground; that the trustees should resign and let competent people takeover.
“I’m a product of this community,” said Droesch. “I want to make sure it stays around for the future.”
The Students speak
NIC nursing student Angel Beier attended the gathering. She thought the turnout was amazing, having that many people who are wanting to support the school. Beier adds that she wanted people, and media, to see their faces.
“I just want the people to stand here with me,” said Beier. “To see that we are real people who are getting affected by what’s happening here.”
NIC has importance for many people who live in the community, many of which have attended the college before.
Workforce student at NIC Chris Waltrip has a more personal connection.
Waltrip said attending NIC helped him find friends he calls a family, and gravitated toward participating in the community.
“It gave me an opportunity to explore what I wanted to do with my life,” said Waltrip.
Waltrip would question what programs he wanted to go into. He knew he wanted a well-rounded education.
NIC losing accreditation would not only affect the college, but the students as well. While NIC faces the potential of losing accreditation, the college still has to create a teach out plan by March 31. Then the NWCCU has to determine whether the college can keep accreditation.
Biology student Naomi Fisher hopes NIC accomplish goals to maintain accreditation.
“I have high hopes,” said Fisher. “I believe that we’re here speaking and something has to be done , ever hoping that this accomplished some good, some change of heart, and have the board see that.”
Fisher said that if you believe in something, you have to fight for what you love. That the people who gathered on the field want to “rise for NIC.”
“The reason why I’m here is because I love NIC, and I want to fight for it,” said Fisher.
The gathering of individuals is brought together by what many see is mismanagement of the college. The letter placing NIC in an under show cause has catapulted their endeavor to save NIC.
Engineering student Chris Sanchez came to voice his concerns at the gathering.
Sanchez said NIC was an opportunity for him to change his outlook and career. He added that the gathering should send a message.
“We’re in this together and hopefully that we can mend those bonds with the board, so we can move forward as an institution,” said Sanchez.
Sanchez said the institution is important to individuals like the faculty and students “because this is their livelihood.”