I nearly missed Purim
March 7th, 2010
Purim began February 27. I nearly overlooked it.
Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. It commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination.
The story is recorded in the Book of Esther. Heroes of the story are Esther and her uncle, Mordecai.
The villain of the story is Haman, an arrogant, egotistical advisor to the king. Haman hated Mordecai, and he plotted to destroy not only Mordecai, but the entire Jewish people in Persia. The Scripture tells the story of how Esther saved the people from annihilation.
As I reflect on this powerful story of deliverance, I keep returning to the conversation between Haman and the king. Haman was interested in starting a rumor regarding the alleged disloyalty of Mordecai—and all the Jews—to the king. The king, apparently with minimal interest in the accuracy of the claim, said, “Well it must be true. Go take care of it.”
Rumors are an amazingly powerful force. They often are widely disseminated with no discernable source or a known authority for its truth. Sometimes rumors are true; sometimes they are not. Often they possess a kernel of truth—but not “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”
Rumors regarding Hiwassee College have circulated during the past ten days or so. Let me set the record straight.Hiwassee’s total assets are approximately $11.8 million, slightly less than Harvard University! Hiwassee’s total debt is approximately $500,000, less than half of what it was a year ago—considerably less than Harvard’s!
Hiwassee has not sold its campus. We have used two parcels of the college’s 411 acres as security for some business transactions. The property, however, returns to Hiwassee when the terms are complete.
Innuendos regarding misuse of funds for federal programs are untrue. We have a clean record.
Hiwassee has recognition by TRACS, an accrediting body which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The men’s basketball team’s travel to the national tournament was underwritten by gifts specified by individuals for that purpose. A professional bus driver volunteered his time for the transportation.
Hiwassee’s current challenge is cash flow. Some of this challenge will be reduced in mid-April, when we anticipate resumption of access to federal financial aid and loan resources. However, more funds are needed.
Hiwassee needs the support of the community during this interim time. With your support, we will be fine.