Say it isn't so

My daughter had the wind knocked out of her sails yesterday. We found out that her school; Dana College, closed. After being a private Danish founded Lutheran college for 125 years they just closed their doors. Without any notice. Just done. 

 

 

We are as devastated as we are frustrated and angered. This was her sweetheart school. She loved it there. So many friends, loved her cross country and track teams, and her professors. Loved them. She was very happy there...she flourished in so many areas! It was only 40 minutes away, and we all liked that, too.

And oh hello, she was supposed to be going back for her sophomore year in a month. We have a long holiday weekend to sit and stew over it all when we want to be booking our tails to other schools and making oodles of phone calls. 

I know something will work out for the better. God doesn't do this without a reason. We just don't know the reason yet. Not seeing it. Can't wait though...it's gonna be a doozy. 

She will rise up and be great anywhere she goes...I've always said the school doesn't make the person. We just have to find a school that matches her as best as possible...asap!! 

Our prayers will continue for the other students, faculty and community of what once was Dana. So heartbreaking.

Comments

[Jeanne]

I am so sorry....I have never heard of a college doing this. Good luck on your search! I know Knox and Augustana are good small schools in Illinois (farther away).

[Julie]

Oh, so sorry for such a sudden shock of news....I think your perspective in God's plans is the right way to go, and what a wonderful thing for your daughter to see. I've found that the greatest disappointments in my own plans, often turn out to be the best things that could have happened....Prayed for you all this morning. :)

[Grace]

I have heard of small elementry schools closing not college. That is so sad but you are right she will do well anywhere. Good luck. Grace

[Evelyn]

so sorry to hear your news. I'm sure a wonderful opportunity will open its arms wide for your daughter, but no doubt it is still upsetting. Hugs to her ...

[Leah C]

I can't even imagine the shock of it all! So sorry you have to search for a new school...hope you find one that suits your daughter...soon:)

[Joyce]

Geeze, I never thought of that happening either, but I guess so. My goodness! What a fine little monkey wrench that has to be dealt with. I agree with you that things happen for a reason, but how devastating. Good luck with this new mission. You will be led in the right direction.

[Leslie @ {Tiny Wings}]

Oh my gosh! How does that even happen?!? So sad for your daughter. :-( When I clocked on the link, Allie's face popped up in the Student Profile box, too. Good luck to you all as you look for a new school.

[Lorelei]

My prayers are with y'all. Another great Lutheran college is Thiel College in PA. Small town. Beautiful autumn events in the area. Snow! My neck of the woods so I'm sort of partial. ;) Also tell her to check out Saint Leo University in St. Leo, FL. Beautiful small campus, beautiful weather, wonderful professors. My alma mater!!

[JoLynn Campbell Caldwell]

This breaks my heart for your family and takes me back to this very weekend eight years ago when the exact same thing happened to my son's middle school with no notice. I don't mean to suggest the thought of losing his 8th grade year is the same as losing your college -- but I do know the sense of loss, the overwhelming feeling of the road ahead and time being of the essence in making decisions.

Teresa -- we met many years ago in connection with sb stuff. At the time I was with Scrapsations! in KC and subsequently K&Co. I've been very involved over the past 5 years with college searches, etc. and am actually fairly well-versed on small, private, liberal arts institutions -- some with religious affiliations, some not. If you need to vent or want to talk or would like to ask about some schools -- or even get introduced to a close friend who is a college counselor and specializes in finding a great fit -- please contact me. [email protected]

In the meantime, hug your daughter. Cry a lot. Recognize this is a ROTTEN MESS and it's okay to feel really rotten about it. Don't work to find the 'why' or the 'reason.' That will come in time. For now, it's ok to just be sad.

[miss lynn]

ohmygosh.
what a crazy
thing! totally
bizarre and
sad for the
whole state.
so sorry, girls.

[becky d.]

as a dana alum, i was waiting to see what you would post on this. it has brought me to tears the past 2 nights...i know many colleges & universities are doing what they can to assist with the many transfer students there will be (midland, maryville university in st. louis, etc). prayers that you will find a new "home" but that dana will always stay apart of your heart -- it is where my parents met, it is my alma mater...

hail fair dana, hail to thee, though time thy walls may claim, thy spirit live another throng, rise up, and sing our song...

[Melissa (Betty and Boo's Mommy)]

I'm so sorry to hear this, Teresa. What I can't fathom is why they still have the nerve to have an Admissions page up on their website that announces "Welcome to your future."

[Jane]

My goodness, what a shock! It sounds like several places are gearing up to help the Dana students, so hopefully things will work out. After going through all the college decision-making last year, it's pretty harsh to have to do it again, especially with no warning. Oh, my, I feel for you all!
Jane - Jacksonville

[Jen@thecottagenest]

Oh my! That's just terrible. I can't imagine what she must be going through. I'm hoping for just the right opportunity for her!

[Samantha]

Teresa, I clicked on the website because I had never heard of this college...you should go check it out, your daughter is the on the front page as the student spotlight! How fun! But, that really stinks that they didn't inform you of their closing.
It's all going to work out fine...really.

[Cheryl Stoneham]

Oh, Teresa....so sorry to hear that. You and your daughter are in my prayers as you make decisions as to her future educational plans.

[Andrea - Faded Plains]

Such a shock...and sad to see a 125 year tradition end.

[Teresa McFayden]

Total shock about Dana, Andrea!! Amazing to hear about the huge financial loss to Blair, too.

[Teresa McFayden]

I saw that on the Dana College website, too, Samantha. They've removed that student highlight section now. Good!

[Teresa McFayden]

Hi JoLynn!

Of course I remember you!! I remember you being such a great help and warm smile when I/we visited K.C.!!

We have been crazt busy researching other small private colleges the past few days. She is a Graphic Design major, cross country and track runner, too. Basically needs that athletic scholarship to attend any private colleges. So far she's got good news from Grandview in Des Moines. Crossing our fingers on that one. Also possibly interested in Morningside in Sioux City IA and Concordia in Seward Ne. It's sure frustrating and exhausting...but we're trying our best!

Thanks for your kind words and understanding!! So GREAT to hear from you!!

oxoxo