Board of Trustees Chairman Michael C. Marcon Resigns
Michael C. Marcon ’86 has resigned from the Ursinus College Board of Trustees. Vice Chair Nina B. Stryker ’78 assumes the role of interim board chair effective immediately.
“I respect Michael’s decision to voluntarily step down as chair. He has long been an enthusiastic supporter of Ursinus and has made the decision in the best interests of the college,” Ursinus President Brock Blomberg said. “Ursinus is embarking on one of the most ambitious periods in our proud history as we look forward to the 150th anniversary of the college. Michael wishes to see Ursinus carry this momentum forward together, as a community standing together.”
Marcon met with a cross-section of students, faculty, and staff over the past few days to share an open dialogue about questionable remarks on his personal Twitter account. The content of those tweets, considered by many on campus to be insensitive and disconcerting, led to a larger campus debate about civil discourse.
“This has been a learning experience for our community and we will continue to maintain a campus environment that is inclusive, welcoming, and reflective of the common good, and in which each of us can resolve differences of opinion in a thoughtful and responsible manner, reflecting our liberal arts mission,” Blomberg said.
“I strongly believe that Michael has the very best interests of the college in mind. He is incredibly enthusiastic about our potential as a campus community and hopes this experience, though rooted in discord, can lead to a better understanding of one another,” he said.
Stryker is known throughout the greater Philadelphia region for her legal acumen and is currently a partner at Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP.
“Under Nina’s guidance, I believe Ursinus begins the fall semester in good hands,” Blomberg says. “She will prove to be a strong partner as we launch the Philadelphia Experience, begin the public phase of our ‘Keep the Promise’ campaign and break ground on the Innovation and Discovery Center.”
Per the board’s by-laws, a special meeting of the board of trustees has been set for Sept. 22, when members will convene to address the board of trustees’ leadership transition. –E.M.