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By Message Staff
PINEVILLE – On the eve of the Louisiana College board meeting that could result in a decision about the future of President Joe Aguillard, a group of around 40 alumni, community members, students and a few trustees gathered inside the school’s student center for prayer.
“It was important for us to meet to let the board know we have nothing against the board of trustees,” said Sammy Morrow, a member of the class of 1980 who led the 10-minute group prayer. “We earnestly believe in coming together as a unified group in pursuit of God’s will.”
The prayer gathering was originally scheduled to take place around the fountain in front of the LC Administrative Building on campus on Monday afternoon. Social media such as Prayers 4 Progress used Twitter to advertise the event.
Prayers 4 Progress said via Twitter: “Tomorrow at 5pm around the fountain on LC campus. Nothing but prayers for our school and the board. Will you join us?”
The Town Talk reported that LC officials canceled the event that was to include alumni and others joining trustees around the fountain for prayer at 5 pm on Monday. However, the weather forced a change of venue. Some alumni posted on social media about the change of venue to the student center.
KALB and The Town Talk both reported that LC did not allow media into the event. The Baptist Message attended the prayer gathering and saw no administrative personnel in the area.
After Morrow led the prayer, he instructed those attending the gathering to break into small groups.
“We want to see LC rise from the ashes,” said Kathy Overturf, class of 1980. “The best way to see that happen is through prayer.”
After the meeting, the group issued a statement.
“The past several months have been some of the most tumultuous in Louisiana College history,” the statement said. “As alumni, we have gathered here today with the members of the Board of Trustees, not to confront them, but to pray and to let them know that we are actively seeking God’s guidance and direction. It is our prayer that they will do the same. They are charged with the stewardship of Louisiana College. It is our hope they will take the actions that are necessary to bring the College back on course.
“As alumni, we are proud of the education we received at Louisiana College. We know that the members of the Board share our desire for spiritual, academic, and financial health for LC. We are energized by the prospect of restoring LC to the institution of higher learning we all knew and loved. As alumni, we will continue to stand up for and defend our alma mater. We look forward to joining the Trustees in shaping the future of Louisiana College.”
The board is meeting today at Granberry Conference Center on campus. A time of a possible vote is not known at this point.