Monday, November 9, 2009
George Wythe Foundation Delinquent
As of end of business on October 12th, the George Wythe Foundation is delinquent in its renewal filing with the Utah Department of Commerce.
George Wythe Land Auction
Silver Oak LLC deeded 4 lots from the Garden Valley Ranchos subdivision near Newcastle, Utah, to the George Wythe Foundation back in June.
George Wythe appears to have turned around and put the land--about 4.5 acres--up for auction -- current bidding is at $3,600! Clearly, the donations to George Wythe University continue to roll in.
If you'd like to bid on this land or just view more photos of the property, go here.
Important question: is the front-end loader pictured above the same one Shanon Brooks posed on at the $1 Billion Monticello Campus Dedication?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
George Wythe Alum Elected Mayor of Leeds, Utah
hat tip: RC
It appears the school has born some positive fruit: out of 316 votes cast in Tuesday's Leeds, Utah, mayoral race, 185 were for 2006 GWC graduate Hyrum Lefler. His 59% to 41% margin over opponent Elliott Sheltman is a landslide by any measure.
Congratulations to the 27-year-old Lefler (born in 1982)! Hopefully the principles he ran on--transparency and fiscal responsibility--will rub off on his alma mater!
It appears the school has born some positive fruit: out of 316 votes cast in Tuesday's Leeds, Utah, mayoral race, 185 were for 2006 GWC graduate Hyrum Lefler. His 59% to 41% margin over opponent Elliott Sheltman is a landslide by any measure.
Congratulations to the 27-year-old Lefler (born in 1982)! Hopefully the principles he ran on--transparency and fiscal responsibility--will rub off on his alma mater!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Nothing Has Changed...
The more things change, the more they remain the same! Despite George Wythe University's recent deck chair shuffling, it appears the school's sandy foundation of obfuscation and half-truth is still there, shifty as ever.
The Wikipedia editor, Ibinthinkin, whom we previously established to be a GWU leader (or at least a 40-something male with access to DeMille's social security number, college transcript, and his mother's scrapbooks), has wiped clean the article on GWU and did some burnishing on the DeMille article (including a plug for the new Oliver DeMille / Shanon Brooks book, TJED for Teens).
So much for historical accuracy--let alone honesty. Despite DeMille's mea culpa, Ibinthinkin clearly didn't get the memo that "things have changed" and that the school would no longer be "allowing misconceptions [to be] perpetuated."
TJED parents, wake up! This philosophy does not stand on its own merits! The school has to change its history to make it palatable. Read J.L.L's blog. He clearly establishes that this is NOT the way Thomas Jefferson--or anyone of note--was educated.
Let me repeat: you are being deceived!
Sending your child to George Wythe University means sending them to a place where intellectual dishonesty, obfuscation, and half-truths appear to not only rule, but flourish.
The Wikipedia editor, Ibinthinkin, whom we previously established to be a GWU leader (or at least a 40-something male with access to DeMille's social security number, college transcript, and his mother's scrapbooks), has wiped clean the article on GWU and did some burnishing on the DeMille article (including a plug for the new Oliver DeMille / Shanon Brooks book, TJED for Teens).
So much for historical accuracy--let alone honesty. Despite DeMille's mea culpa, Ibinthinkin clearly didn't get the memo that "things have changed" and that the school would no longer be "allowing misconceptions [to be] perpetuated."
TJED parents, wake up! This philosophy does not stand on its own merits! The school has to change its history to make it palatable. Read J.L.L's blog. He clearly establishes that this is NOT the way Thomas Jefferson--or anyone of note--was educated.
Let me repeat: you are being deceived!
Sending your child to George Wythe University means sending them to a place where intellectual dishonesty, obfuscation, and half-truths appear to not only rule, but flourish.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Guest Post: Steve
Steven Adams, who identifies himself as an administrator at BYU-Idaho, made some extensive comments I deemed worthy of a post. I am including them below, unedited. -- TRGW
(I wrote more but could not post that much. It seems you are sincerely interested in posting both sides and I thought you might allow me to post this completely. I will submit it in two more posts and you can compile it if you wish and put it where you like.)
I have enjoyed reading the various points of view on this blog. I am a graduate of George Wythe College and thought I would add my perspective.
While I find the information on this blog to be valuable, I find the overall tone to be distasteful. Language and images are used to create a negative image of George Wythe University and those who have worked to create it. While I do not challenge much of the information put forward, I do challenge the negative attitude and narrow mindedness that drive the discussion.
Oliver and the others involved set out to create a different type of educational program. They did not intend to conform with current accreditation standards or modern ideas of degree programs. They clearly stated their intentions and have continued do so throughout their history. Some of their programs and ideas have changed as they have gained experience and new information. They have also made mistakes.
I chose to attend George Wythe while I was a student at Idaho State University. I was receiving two full tuition scholarship, one for academics and one for leadership, but I was not satisfied with the foundations of the school. I had some great instructors and some I did not appreciate. Some things I learned at ISU were valuable, and I am glad for the experience, but it was not meeting my needs.
I was married, and we had just started our family so attending the campus in Cedar City was not our best option. I decided to take correspondence courses and worked with Oliver as my mentor. I fully understood my degree would be seen as only religiously accredited and most people and institutions would not recognize it at all. Olive talked to me about this personally and encouraged me to seriously consider my options.
The education I obtained from George Wythe College was everything Oliver claimed it would be and more. Oliver provided great feedback on my writing and encouraged me to consider ideas outside of my personal preference. He challenged me and accepted my challenge of his ideas. It was not what most people would consider a “normal” education, but it was a great blessing to me. I found Oliver to be an exceptional mentor and an outstanding human being. I admire his courage and initiative, even if I don’t always agree with his specific decisions. He has my full support, and I wish him only the best for the future.
I was not able to use my degree to move directly into the mainstream workforce, but that is not what I wanted nor do I believe it was what the Lord intended for my life. I was able to earn what money I needed for my family and gained valuable experience for the rest of my professional career. After working with several private and public charter schools I was hired as the Director of Charter, Virtual, and Home Education for the Florida Department of Education – I later worked as a consultant for several charter and virtual school organizations and now work in administration at BYU-Idaho.
With the move to Florida, I took the opportunity to look into graduate studies. I had considered pursuing graduate studies with George Wythe College, but it did not seem to be the right way for me to go. Once settled in Tallahassee I approached Florida State University and found interest in their education foundations and policy programs.
Florida is an interesting place. There is a strong history of liberal arts and independent education programs. It allows for a great deal of diversity, and I enjoyed the environment. Any time freedom is allowed to exist it generates great opportunity, which manifests great success and also failure. There are a variety of quality private institutions in the state and a few bad actors as well. It was fun to work for the department and be able to look into Coral Ridge Baptist University while there. Among some, it had a reputation for being a “diploma mill” but even knowing that did not bother most of my colleagues at the department. They gave me the chance to let my actions and work speak for my merits.
This was also the case with Florida State University. I explained my diploma from George Wythe College, which also came from Coral Ridge Baptist University, and asked if there was a way for someone with an unaccredited degree to gain acceptance to their university for graduate work. I took the necessary exam and they gave me the opportunity to prove myself by taking a few classes then evaluated me for formal admission into their program. Their policy made sense, and I was happy to comply. I met their requirements and studied foundations of education and education policy.
That world was very different from George Wythe College. There were different rules and expectations. I don’t think they were any better or worse than George Wythe College, only different. The work was not easy at either institution, and I am indebted to both for who I am and what I may yet become. To put it rather briefly – George Wythe College taught me to think for myself and find solutions that may not have been considered; FSU taught me how to be understood and have influence in “normal” education circles. Both exposed me to great ideas and challenged my thinking.
For those who care about such things, I did earn my Masters of Science in Foundations of Education and a graduate certificate in education policy. I continued in the doctoral program and am studying issues of culture and religion in the educational practices of a diverse society. The opportunity to work at BYU-Idaho brought me back to Idaho but Florida State has agreed to let me take my last two classes at Idaho State. ISU has accepted my application, and I will start those classes in January. I then hope to begin my dissertation with the faculty at Florida State.
As I have pursued my graduate studies, I have met several people who challenge mainstream educational practices in much the same way as Oliver DeMille. I have enjoyed working with and debating them, just as I did with Oliver, but he has one quality each of them was lacking. He desired not only to criticize educational practices, but also to develop new practices, or redevelop proven practices, and implement them. This is a far greater challenge than most people realize. It is far easier to go along with the current system; moving forward with pats on the back and the respect of your colleagues. New endeavors are challenged on every side. You do not have the security and comfort of wide spread support. Agree or disagree, Oliver has earned the respect of anyone who understands the effort required to accomplish what he accomplished.
I would also like to address this rather absurd notion that charging tuition for educational experiences is somehow dishonorable. I ask you to consider that private institutions like George Wythe University get their funds through free will offerings. These usually take the form of tuition and donations. The individuals making the donation or payment freely give each dollar. Government institutions of learning raise their funds through compulsion. Property is taken from citizens with threat of force to be used by these institutions no matter their quality or educational practices. When you choose to attend such an institution, you should be aware that many of your fellow citizens are paying for you to have an experience they did not agree to give you. In essence, you are forcing your neighbors to pay for a significant portion of your education. That is seen as acceptable in our society, so it is not frequently questioned, but when a private group sets out to exercise their freedom of dissent and asks only for those with similar views to provide their funding, this is somehow seen as inappropriate. I find that interesting in a rather absurd way.
I agree with some of the points made regarding embellished advertising. To claim that they are the “best” institution for training statesmen is kind of like claiming they are the best George Wythe University in the world. While I may disagree with that approach, for me, at that time and in that place they were just that. Whatever level of overzealous advertising may have been applied, it is the individual’s responsibility to understand each institution will try to give the best possible impression. Blogs like this help to inform those decisions.
The views put forward on this blog are for the most part useful information. What there is of vitriol can be overlooked by an open minded individual, and I hope the university chooses to benefit form the information gathered and views expressed. One criticism is that anonymous blog postings can be a cowardly approach to public discourse. If you are unwilling to be associated with your own comments, you may want to rethink your comments or ask yourself why you lack the courage to stand behind your own beliefs.
To close I wish to express my love and admiration for Oliver DeMille. I honor him as one of my mentors, a dedicated scholar, a good man, and one of my great privileges in life is call him my friend. I do not know everyone at George Wythe University, nor do I have enough information to comment on some of the university’s decisions, but I have known many of the individuals working there for some time. I hold Andy Groft and Shannon Brooks as friends, and I wish them only the best in their pursuits. To everyone else who has worked to build George Wythe University, I offer my deepest appreciation and respect. To the extent any of them have made mistakes, I hope they learn and grow as we all have. To the extent they have succeeded, I hope they are given the respect and honor they deserve.
Sincerely,
Steven Adams
Graduate; George Wythe College; September 11, 1999
Email: adams@gwa.cc
(I wrote more but could not post that much. It seems you are sincerely interested in posting both sides and I thought you might allow me to post this completely. I will submit it in two more posts and you can compile it if you wish and put it where you like.)
I have enjoyed reading the various points of view on this blog. I am a graduate of George Wythe College and thought I would add my perspective.
While I find the information on this blog to be valuable, I find the overall tone to be distasteful. Language and images are used to create a negative image of George Wythe University and those who have worked to create it. While I do not challenge much of the information put forward, I do challenge the negative attitude and narrow mindedness that drive the discussion.
Oliver and the others involved set out to create a different type of educational program. They did not intend to conform with current accreditation standards or modern ideas of degree programs. They clearly stated their intentions and have continued do so throughout their history. Some of their programs and ideas have changed as they have gained experience and new information. They have also made mistakes.
I chose to attend George Wythe while I was a student at Idaho State University. I was receiving two full tuition scholarship, one for academics and one for leadership, but I was not satisfied with the foundations of the school. I had some great instructors and some I did not appreciate. Some things I learned at ISU were valuable, and I am glad for the experience, but it was not meeting my needs.
I was married, and we had just started our family so attending the campus in Cedar City was not our best option. I decided to take correspondence courses and worked with Oliver as my mentor. I fully understood my degree would be seen as only religiously accredited and most people and institutions would not recognize it at all. Olive talked to me about this personally and encouraged me to seriously consider my options.
The education I obtained from George Wythe College was everything Oliver claimed it would be and more. Oliver provided great feedback on my writing and encouraged me to consider ideas outside of my personal preference. He challenged me and accepted my challenge of his ideas. It was not what most people would consider a “normal” education, but it was a great blessing to me. I found Oliver to be an exceptional mentor and an outstanding human being. I admire his courage and initiative, even if I don’t always agree with his specific decisions. He has my full support, and I wish him only the best for the future.
I was not able to use my degree to move directly into the mainstream workforce, but that is not what I wanted nor do I believe it was what the Lord intended for my life. I was able to earn what money I needed for my family and gained valuable experience for the rest of my professional career. After working with several private and public charter schools I was hired as the Director of Charter, Virtual, and Home Education for the Florida Department of Education – I later worked as a consultant for several charter and virtual school organizations and now work in administration at BYU-Idaho.
With the move to Florida, I took the opportunity to look into graduate studies. I had considered pursuing graduate studies with George Wythe College, but it did not seem to be the right way for me to go. Once settled in Tallahassee I approached Florida State University and found interest in their education foundations and policy programs.
Florida is an interesting place. There is a strong history of liberal arts and independent education programs. It allows for a great deal of diversity, and I enjoyed the environment. Any time freedom is allowed to exist it generates great opportunity, which manifests great success and also failure. There are a variety of quality private institutions in the state and a few bad actors as well. It was fun to work for the department and be able to look into Coral Ridge Baptist University while there. Among some, it had a reputation for being a “diploma mill” but even knowing that did not bother most of my colleagues at the department. They gave me the chance to let my actions and work speak for my merits.
This was also the case with Florida State University. I explained my diploma from George Wythe College, which also came from Coral Ridge Baptist University, and asked if there was a way for someone with an unaccredited degree to gain acceptance to their university for graduate work. I took the necessary exam and they gave me the opportunity to prove myself by taking a few classes then evaluated me for formal admission into their program. Their policy made sense, and I was happy to comply. I met their requirements and studied foundations of education and education policy.
That world was very different from George Wythe College. There were different rules and expectations. I don’t think they were any better or worse than George Wythe College, only different. The work was not easy at either institution, and I am indebted to both for who I am and what I may yet become. To put it rather briefly – George Wythe College taught me to think for myself and find solutions that may not have been considered; FSU taught me how to be understood and have influence in “normal” education circles. Both exposed me to great ideas and challenged my thinking.
For those who care about such things, I did earn my Masters of Science in Foundations of Education and a graduate certificate in education policy. I continued in the doctoral program and am studying issues of culture and religion in the educational practices of a diverse society. The opportunity to work at BYU-Idaho brought me back to Idaho but Florida State has agreed to let me take my last two classes at Idaho State. ISU has accepted my application, and I will start those classes in January. I then hope to begin my dissertation with the faculty at Florida State.
As I have pursued my graduate studies, I have met several people who challenge mainstream educational practices in much the same way as Oliver DeMille. I have enjoyed working with and debating them, just as I did with Oliver, but he has one quality each of them was lacking. He desired not only to criticize educational practices, but also to develop new practices, or redevelop proven practices, and implement them. This is a far greater challenge than most people realize. It is far easier to go along with the current system; moving forward with pats on the back and the respect of your colleagues. New endeavors are challenged on every side. You do not have the security and comfort of wide spread support. Agree or disagree, Oliver has earned the respect of anyone who understands the effort required to accomplish what he accomplished.
I would also like to address this rather absurd notion that charging tuition for educational experiences is somehow dishonorable. I ask you to consider that private institutions like George Wythe University get their funds through free will offerings. These usually take the form of tuition and donations. The individuals making the donation or payment freely give each dollar. Government institutions of learning raise their funds through compulsion. Property is taken from citizens with threat of force to be used by these institutions no matter their quality or educational practices. When you choose to attend such an institution, you should be aware that many of your fellow citizens are paying for you to have an experience they did not agree to give you. In essence, you are forcing your neighbors to pay for a significant portion of your education. That is seen as acceptable in our society, so it is not frequently questioned, but when a private group sets out to exercise their freedom of dissent and asks only for those with similar views to provide their funding, this is somehow seen as inappropriate. I find that interesting in a rather absurd way.
I agree with some of the points made regarding embellished advertising. To claim that they are the “best” institution for training statesmen is kind of like claiming they are the best George Wythe University in the world. While I may disagree with that approach, for me, at that time and in that place they were just that. Whatever level of overzealous advertising may have been applied, it is the individual’s responsibility to understand each institution will try to give the best possible impression. Blogs like this help to inform those decisions.
The views put forward on this blog are for the most part useful information. What there is of vitriol can be overlooked by an open minded individual, and I hope the university chooses to benefit form the information gathered and views expressed. One criticism is that anonymous blog postings can be a cowardly approach to public discourse. If you are unwilling to be associated with your own comments, you may want to rethink your comments or ask yourself why you lack the courage to stand behind your own beliefs.
To close I wish to express my love and admiration for Oliver DeMille. I honor him as one of my mentors, a dedicated scholar, a good man, and one of my great privileges in life is call him my friend. I do not know everyone at George Wythe University, nor do I have enough information to comment on some of the university’s decisions, but I have known many of the individuals working there for some time. I hold Andy Groft and Shannon Brooks as friends, and I wish them only the best in their pursuits. To everyone else who has worked to build George Wythe University, I offer my deepest appreciation and respect. To the extent any of them have made mistakes, I hope they learn and grow as we all have. To the extent they have succeeded, I hope they are given the respect and honor they deserve.
Sincerely,
Steven Adams
Graduate; George Wythe College; September 11, 1999
Email: adams@gwa.cc
Friday, September 25, 2009
Glenn Beck
Since Beck made his GWU plug this Spring, I found out which local station he's on and listened several times.
He's on at the same time as Sean Hannity, and you know what? He's hilarious!
Hannity is a drag to listen to in comparison. A lot of his rhetoric and shaky arguments make me cringe.
Beck's got his own issues with rhetoric, arguments, and even demagoguery, but at least he's entertaining.
Like I said earlier, I don't think Beck did his homework on GWU before endorsing it.
He's on at the same time as Sean Hannity, and you know what? He's hilarious!
Hannity is a drag to listen to in comparison. A lot of his rhetoric and shaky arguments make me cringe.
Beck's got his own issues with rhetoric, arguments, and even demagoguery, but at least he's entertaining.
Like I said earlier, I don't think Beck did his homework on GWU before endorsing it.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Crunchy Con: Wrong about "5,000 Year Leap"
Rod Dreher, author of Crunchy Con over at Beliefnet, wrote an article last week blasting both Glenn Beck (everyone's getting on the bandwagon) and Skousen's 5,000 Year Leap.
That night he actually read the book, and changed his tune.
He still believes the book is weak in the history and argument departments, but he no longer believes it to be "dangerous." More like "hokey."
Full disclosure: I haven't read the book.
That night he actually read the book, and changed his tune.
He still believes the book is weak in the history and argument departments, but he no longer believes it to be "dangerous." More like "hokey."
Full disclosure: I haven't read the book.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
An Original Source!
Following is an insert included in a copy of the book The New World Order: Choosing Between Christ and Satan in the Last Days, written by Keith Lockhart (not that one) and Oliver DeMille.
In fairness, DeMille has distanced himself (see pp. 9-10) from this "youthful study of conspiracy":
"...of course there are some people in the world who meet behind closed doors and conspire to do things that are wrong in order to increase their power and riches, and of course they don’t control the whole world and they aren’t behind every little detail. The important things that get done in this world are done by those who build, not those who bash. Let’s be builders, not bashers."
The insert comes from the same time period when George Wythe College was founded.
ht on scan: another anonymous GWU critic
In fairness, DeMille has distanced himself (see pp. 9-10) from this "youthful study of conspiracy":
"...of course there are some people in the world who meet behind closed doors and conspire to do things that are wrong in order to increase their power and riches, and of course they don’t control the whole world and they aren’t behind every little detail. The important things that get done in this world are done by those who build, not those who bash. Let’s be builders, not bashers."
The insert comes from the same time period when George Wythe College was founded.
ht on scan: another anonymous GWU critic
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Andrew Sullivan / The Atlantic
Thanks to Andrew Sullivan from The Atlantic for the shout-out this afternoon:
"[George Wythe University is] where Beck's mentor Skousen is still taught as part of the Mormon-American literature. And, of course, there's a blog devoted to sniping at it."
The Man Who Changed Glenn Beck's Life
Salon.com has an article today on Cleon Skousen (with, incredibly, a GWU mention).
"Before he died in 2006 at the age of 92, Skousen's own Mormon church publicly distanced itself from the foundation that Skousen founded and that has published previous editions of The 5,000 Year Leap."
The article quotes former Salt Lake mayor J. Bracken Lee, who fired Skousen as police chief in 1960:
"The man is a master of half-truths. In at least three instances I have proven him to be a liar. He is a very dangerous man [and] one of the greatest spenders of public funds of anyone who ever served in any capacity in Salt Lake City government."
After being fired, Skousen worked for two speaker bureaus, the John Birch Society and for the Fred Schwarz-operated "Christian Anti-Communism Crusade." He gave paid speeches around the United States, feeding off the anti-Communist sentiment in the country.
The FBI, which compiled a 2,000-page dossier on Skousen, made an insightful comment that applies to present-day George Wythe University when it described Skousen's employer "Schwarz as 'an opportunist,' the likes of which 'are largely responsible for misinforming people and stirring them up emotionally ... Schwartz [sic] and others like him can only do the country and the anticommunist work of the Bureau harm.'"
Indeed.
While I share a handful of views with the founders and operators of George Wythe University (I'm a libertarian at heart), this does not mean that I automatically support the organization.
This school's approach and attitude--an affinity for half-truths if not outright lies--can only do the country and the conservative cause harm. It must be challenged and if not shut down, at least consistently called out.
The founders of GWU tragically chose to employ half-truths in promoting and running the school.
What a wasted opportunity.
So much work and sacrifice has gone into building the organization, but even an efficient organization built on a shoddy foundation will one day fall.
I implore the school to continue cleaning house. Write an HONEST history. Publish statistics (number of grads, past degrees offered, etc.).
Do some good for the conservative movement. Right now you're a liability.
Thanks.
"Before he died in 2006 at the age of 92, Skousen's own Mormon church publicly distanced itself from the foundation that Skousen founded and that has published previous editions of The 5,000 Year Leap."
The article quotes former Salt Lake mayor J. Bracken Lee, who fired Skousen as police chief in 1960:
"The man is a master of half-truths. In at least three instances I have proven him to be a liar. He is a very dangerous man [and] one of the greatest spenders of public funds of anyone who ever served in any capacity in Salt Lake City government."
After being fired, Skousen worked for two speaker bureaus, the John Birch Society and for the Fred Schwarz-operated "Christian Anti-Communism Crusade." He gave paid speeches around the United States, feeding off the anti-Communist sentiment in the country.
The FBI, which compiled a 2,000-page dossier on Skousen, made an insightful comment that applies to present-day George Wythe University when it described Skousen's employer "Schwarz as 'an opportunist,' the likes of which 'are largely responsible for misinforming people and stirring them up emotionally ... Schwartz [sic] and others like him can only do the country and the anticommunist work of the Bureau harm.'"
Indeed.
While I share a handful of views with the founders and operators of George Wythe University (I'm a libertarian at heart), this does not mean that I automatically support the organization.
This school's approach and attitude--an affinity for half-truths if not outright lies--can only do the country and the conservative cause harm. It must be challenged and if not shut down, at least consistently called out.
The founders of GWU tragically chose to employ half-truths in promoting and running the school.
What a wasted opportunity.
So much work and sacrifice has gone into building the organization, but even an efficient organization built on a shoddy foundation will one day fall.
I implore the school to continue cleaning house. Write an HONEST history. Publish statistics (number of grads, past degrees offered, etc.).
Do some good for the conservative movement. Right now you're a liability.
Thanks.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Inspiring Story
I have to say that the story of the girl and her friends raising money to attend the GWU gala is pretty inspiring. You can see Ken Krogue's take on it here.
As this blog earlier reported, Beck's pledge will eventually go to the school. It turns out the website tracking peoples' pages read was put together by the school's web person.
Good job kids on your fundraiser. Now run from GWU and TJEd as fast as you can! Don't waste your youth on this garbage!
As this blog earlier reported, Beck's pledge will eventually go to the school. It turns out the website tracking peoples' pages read was put together by the school's web person.
Good job kids on your fundraiser. Now run from GWU and TJEd as fast as you can! Don't waste your youth on this garbage!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Hit a Nerve?
Lo and behold, since my post yesterday Shanon Brooks has been removed from the list of Board Members on the GWU website. Clearly, the GWU leadership is reading this blog. Mr. Groft, I invite you to comment here using your real name.
Granted, I do remember reading the newest The Statesman newsletter, in which Mr. Groft--besides telling about the first time Oliver DeMille made him cry--mentioned that Shanon Brooks had resigned from the board for family reasons.
To be clear, I'm not saying he's off the board because of that blog post; I'm saying GWU modified the website because of the posting.
(Now that I look again, there is no mention of Brooks citing family reasons for leaving--Groft must have made some edits to the newsletter.)
Groft does make crystal clear for us that Brooks founded his for-profit seminar business while he was on the board of the George Wythe Foundation (which does business as GWU):
"Shanon recently resigned from the George Wythe Foundation Board of Trustees after nearly two decades of tireless work and unbelievable personal sacrifice by him...and his family. ...Shanon will now be able to devote his attention to growing another institution that has promoted leadership education for so many years. Face to Face with Greatness, which Shanon founded while at GWU, has presented literally hundreds of seminars throughout North America, spreading the message of education and liberty to thousands (www.facetofacewithgreatness.com)." (emphasis added)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Tax Implications?
I've wondered this for a while. One of the school's founders, Shanon Brooks, has his own business giving "Face to Face with Greatness" seminars. See here. Cost to attend: anywhere from $125 to $225 per person.
This appears to be a for-profit, sole proprietership owned by Mr. Brooks (see here and search for "face to face").
George Wythe University, a non-profit, actively promotes these seminars. Notice that the seminar dates on GWU's site are exactly the same as the dates on Brooks's site. These are the same seminars.
My question for anyone out there with tax knowledge is this:
Is the George Wythe Foundation, dba George Wythe University, violating any part of its non-profit charter by using its tax-free resources to promote the for-profit ventures of one of its board members?
Don't forget the earlier discussion on the school possibly using restricted assets meant for Monticello to fund other school programs. If true, that is a serious issue as well.
This appears to be a for-profit, sole proprietership owned by Mr. Brooks (see here and search for "face to face").
George Wythe University, a non-profit, actively promotes these seminars. Notice that the seminar dates on GWU's site are exactly the same as the dates on Brooks's site. These are the same seminars.
My question for anyone out there with tax knowledge is this:
Is the George Wythe Foundation, dba George Wythe University, violating any part of its non-profit charter by using its tax-free resources to promote the for-profit ventures of one of its board members?
Don't forget the earlier discussion on the school possibly using restricted assets meant for Monticello to fund other school programs. If true, that is a serious issue as well.
DeMille Now a Biologist
Mr. DeMille has written an article on why biology is "not a science anymore," which means "statesmen and social leaders of the future had better prepare accordingly"--with an embedded link to the GWU website on the word 'prepare.'
I've got to be blunt here. I don't know what on earth DeMille is talking about in this article.
It's the first in a five-part series that concludes, you guessed it, with an invitation to get your Ph.D. in Constitutional Law at George Wythe University.
I did understand one part -- DeMille surprised me when he revealed the total graduates of the "Thomas Jefferson Degree™" program to-date: five.
The goal now is to have twenty earn this degree by 2010. Given the mind-boggling timelines in the school's history, why not? Why not make it 200 by 2010? Dole out enough life experience credit and you can have a Ph.D. in a snap (see Deseret News story on GWC grad "Dr." Ann Tracy here).
I've got to be blunt here. I don't know what on earth DeMille is talking about in this article.
It's the first in a five-part series that concludes, you guessed it, with an invitation to get your Ph.D. in Constitutional Law at George Wythe University.
I did understand one part -- DeMille surprised me when he revealed the total graduates of the "Thomas Jefferson Degree™" program to-date: five.
The goal now is to have twenty earn this degree by 2010. Given the mind-boggling timelines in the school's history, why not? Why not make it 200 by 2010? Dole out enough life experience credit and you can have a Ph.D. in a snap (see Deseret News story on GWC grad "Dr." Ann Tracy here).
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Definitions
In deference to our faithful pro-TJED/GWC commenter, James F., I think it would be a good exercise to define some terms.
I'm going to take the list James came up with here, expand on it slightly, then copy (nearly verbatim) the related definitions from the online Merriam-Webster dictionary. Later I would like to build an identical list populated with definitions from Oliver DeMille, TJED and GWU literature, then juxtapose the two.
UPDATE: I have included Noah Webster's 1828 definitions as well.
I'm going to take the list James came up with here, expand on it slightly, then copy (nearly verbatim) the related definitions from the online Merriam-Webster dictionary. Later I would like to build an identical list populated with definitions from Oliver DeMille, TJED and GWU literature, then juxtapose the two.
UPDATE: I have included Noah Webster's 1828 definitions as well.
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