NIC: Politics were not a factor for founders

While watching the most recent NIC board meeting online, a glaring realization occurred to me. Everyone on that board had the benefit of a college education. An opportunity that no doubt was of value to each one of the members. Yet, here we were witnessing the disregard for proper procedures and protocols that could destroy the college, and thus the educations of those currently enrolled at NIC, and those yet to come.

When Mr. Winton, Mr. Rosenberry, and others got the college up and running in 1933, there was no mention of politics in any of the documents I’ve read. No political litmus test was required for entrance. Mr. Rosenberry was a staunch Republican, and father of six, but he never told his children how to vote or think. I know because I have his personal letters at my home and have read them. A loving parent encourages a child to think for themselves. He valued his niece, who was an education consultant for Al Gore’s presidential campaign as much as he loved his first born son and my uncle Walter Jr.

Walter Jr. was a lifelong Republican and his best friend was the late Chief Justice Warren Burger, a Nixon appointee and pallbearer at his funeral. It is my sincere hope and desire that the entire board can somehow find a way to steer this college to safety. To destroy NIC would be an act of extreme cowardice, weakness and selfishness. To deny these young people a future is inexcusable.

SARA FERRIS

Coeur d’Alene