State's old college fights closure

SANTA FE, NM (KRQE) - Barring a last-minute reprieve the tombstone for New Mexico’s oldest college could read College of Santa Fe 1859-2009.

Plans to save the school in the state Legislature are unlikely to pass, and a Pennsylvania company could foreclose on the school property at any time.

And School President Stewart Kirk is on a cross-country trip to secure funds just to keep the college open until late May. And if he fails?

“It's very likely this 99-acre campus could be carved up for multi-purposes," Vice President Marcia Sullivan said. "It would be a real tragedy.”

The school has been educating students for 150 years after first being opened by a Roman Catholic teaching order as St. Michael’s College.

“This school has changed my life,” senior Irina Zerkin said. “It's been such an empowering experience to meet people who actually want to see me succeed.”

Well-known alums include State House Speaker Ben Lujan and Santa Fe Rep. Luciano "Lucky" Varela who both attended on the GI bill.

CSF has developed a reputation for its arts, illustrated by the sculptures and paintings across campus.

And students say it offers an experience like nothing else.

“The sense of home being lost right now, that resonates with a lot of students.” Zerkin said. “This is home.”

Zerkin is set to graduate with the College of Santa Fe’s class of 2009 on May 16. But with hope and money running short, the college may not be able to stay open that long.