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Alumnae formed the Wells Legacy Society, a nonprofit organization that "advocates for the local and regional preservation of Wells' rich history and nationally significant legacy." According to its mission statement, the group seeks to collaborate to "preserve the history, archives, artifacts and treasures of Wells College in the village of Aurora, southern Cayuga County and the Finger Lakes region to be enjoyed by generations to come." 

Tracie Hiatt, the group's attorney, sent a letter to Marie Chapman Carroll, who chairs Wells College's board of trustees, requesting more information about the school's arrangement with Manhattanville University. When Wells announced its closure in April, Manhattanville was identified as its legacy partner.Ìý

Manhattanville has plans to incorporate Wells into its institution, but the Middle States Commission on Higher Education — the accreditor for both schools — said legacy partnerships are prohibited.Ìý

Rachel Snyder, president of Wells Legacy Society, told Ë®¹ûÅÉAV Monday that they have not received a response from Wells College. She said the group has also contacted the state attorney general's office, which will oversee the disposition of the school's assets, Middle States and the state Board of Regents.Ìý

Snyder's concern about the institution's legacy began in 2020 when the college nearly closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She had a conversation with Dr. Linda Schwab, Aurora's village historian, about the fate of the school's treasures if Wells closed.

"A lot of history is preserved on that campus," Snyder said. "What is going to happen to all of this?" 

When Wells announced its closure, these discussions grew among alumni. Those talks led to the formation of the Wells Legacy Society on May 15.Ìý

What happened on Wednesday, June 12, is an example of why alumnae are concerned about the college's legacy.Ìý

That morning, Wells announced the statue of Minerva  indoors to "ensure her safety." The statue, one of the important symbols in the college's 156-year history, was a gift from Charles Wells to his father, Henry Wells, who founded the school in 1868.Ìý

Two hours after the college's initial post, there was an update: The statue was damaged while it was being relocated. Photos show Minerva's head was broken as it was being placed on a truck.Ìý

The college is consulting with experts on moving and repairing Minerva, according to the updated post.Ìý

For Snyder and the Wells Legacy Society, the incident shows why they are working to protect Wells' legacy.Ìý

"When Minerva was so carelessly handled, that was really a catalyst for us to say we got to fight harder," she said.

The group began working on a press release, which was issued Monday, and is raising funds. They want to work with the Village of Aurora Historical Society to determine whether any artifacts can be kept there, Snyder said. Another possibility is the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls.Ìý

One goal, according to Snyder, is to establish a place on the Wells campus to house the artifacts. She floated using Glen Park, Henry Wells' former home, as a museum.Ìý

Wells officials haven't said much about the closure or the fate of the school's legacy. But in response to a question about what will happen to the college's treasures, such as Minerva, the school acknowledged that many alumni have said it's important to keep the items in Aurora.Ìý

"We are gathering feedback from the community and will work with the attorney general's office on a plan for the dissolution of assets," the college said.Ìý