Anonymous Boston Firm Funds Hampshire College Teach-Out as Regional Concerns Mount
Hampshire College secured emergency funding to complete its final semester, while local organizations address healthcare and food security issues in the region.
A loan of $29.5 million from a Boston-based limited liability corporation has enabled Hampshire College to continue its teach-out program through the fall semester, allowing students to complete their final academic requirements before the college's December closure.
The funds, provided by Artocarpus Partners, LLC, were signed into effect on July 29 and approved by the state on August 3, according to documents filed with the Hampshire Registry of Deeds. College President Jennifer Chrisler and Treasurer John Dineen signed the agreement after trustees reached an agreement in principle on the loan in early June, giving the board sufficient confidence to move forward with operations through the semester.
The loan was described by college officials in June as coming from a "philanthropic partner." According to mortgage paperwork, the limited liability company operates from an address in Boston's Seaport District, though the identity of the lender has not been publicly disclosed.
The teach-out has progressed steadily, enabling students to finish Division III requirements and advance through Division I and Division II pathways toward a final graduation scheduled for December.
Meanwhile, Baystate Health faced protests this week over its involvement in the health insurance industry and cuts to transgender care. About 25 people gathered outside Baystate's corporate offices, joined by Nadia Milleron, an independent congressional candidate in Massachusetts' 1st District. Protesters objected to Baystate's ownership of Health New England and raised concerns about staff reductions made to address a $60 million budget gap earlier in the summer.
Grow Food Northampton's Food Access Team continues distributing hundreds of thousands of pounds of produce from local farms annually while establishing community gardens at public housing sites. Residents who participate receive tools, compost, educational workshops, and seedlings from local nurseries at no cost, with raised beds built for those with limited mobility to address food insecurity in the community.