3/13/1981, Burlington Free Press

NORWICH OFFICIALS BOYCOTT MEETING ON MERGER PLAN

The Associated Press

PLAINFIELD - Representatives of Norwich University boycotted a meeting this week about a possible merger with Goddard College.

Norwich spokesman George Turner said officials of the Northfield military school received telephone calls that the meeting might become an angry demonstration against the idea.

Goddard officials, struggling with financial problems for more than a year, have talked with Norwich about the possible takeoever of some Goddard programs.

Goddard president Victor Leofflath-Ehly said merger of the schools could give Goddard some needed revenue and reduce operating expenses.

Goddard needs about $1 million if it is to survive for one more year, Leofflath-Ehly said. He said he would support a complete merger of the two schools.

Many among the crowd of about 90 faculty members and Goddard alumni at the meeting contrasted the ideals of the two schools. "One stands for peace, the other for war," said Tom Kyle, a Goddard alumni.

Several people said they are concerned about how a Norwich takeover would change the school, long noted for its experimental programs.