Wells Legacy Society • First Annual Report
Dear Friends,
The Wells Legacy Society (WLS) incorporated on May 14, 2024, to advocate for the preservation of Wells College’s rich history and nationally significant legacy.
Over this past year, with your help we have achieved remarkable results in a challenging environment.
Together we played a vital role in stopping the transfer to Manhattanville of Wells’ assets, artifacts and archives, a pivotal achievement in safeguarding Wells’ future identity.
We secured local landmark designations for the Wells Arts Complex and successfully supported a new scenic landmark designation for the Boat House lawn.
Our advocacy with the NYS Attorney General’s Office served to halt the piecemeal sale of college real estate until a comprehensive dissolution plan is filed and approved,
The WLS is actively supporting the Villages plan to preserve the Wells archives in Aurora, recognizing the importance of these materials to local history.
We advocated for institutional zoning in the National Register portion of campus, a crucial step in the guiding future use of the campus towards non-profit purposes, in alignment with the stated goals of the Village.
The significance of our work resonates widely. The WLS has been featured by name in the media over 60 times. This visibility raised awareness and garnered broader support for our cause.
Together we’ve built a network of over 700 community members who have supported our efforts and provided a bedrock for our ongoing mission. Our outreach is primarily through our website, newsletter and petitions, as we aim to be a reliable source of information for both alums and the general public.
Thanks to the advocacy of our President and the generosity of many alums, 85 displaced Wells students received crucial financial support to continue their educational journeys.
Our impact is being recognized within academic circles. WLS officers have been interviewed by authors and researchers in higher education, highlighting the innovative and important nature of our work.
Throughout all this, we’ve worked with our attorneys at Harter, Secrest & Emery to engage with numerous state officials and governmental agencies, advocating for a final disposition of college’s holdings that will honor the legacy of Wells College.
We look forward to continuing our efforts with you, and all of our valued supporters. Together, let’s ensure that the rich history and profound impact of Wells College are not only remembered but preserved, shared and celebrated.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Board of the Wells Legacy Society, Inc.
Rachel Snyder ’11, President
Karen A. Hindenlang ’77, Vice President
Maggie Mahr ’11, Secretary
Karin Gregory ’80, Esq, Treasurer
To view a PDF of the WLS First Annual Report, click here.
