FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nonprofit Launches Urgent Campaign to Save Historic Simon’s Rock Campus
Great Barrington, MA — July 30, 2025 — With Bard College set to close and sell the 275-acre Simon’s Rock campus this August, a coalition of alumni, residents, and nonprofit leaders has launched Simon’s Rock Village (SRV), a 501(c)(3) partnership dedicated to preserving this vital community resource. SRV’s mission: keep the campus open as a hub for affordable housing, learning, arts, and wellness for the Berkshires and beyond.
“Simon’s Rock showed me what a true community of thinkers and dreamers can accomplish when we all work together. Simon’s Rock Village is our way of giving back and ensuring that future generations have the same chance to grow, create, and belong as we did as students. Our vision is to make sure that spirit of innovation and inclusion continues to thrive for our community and everyone in the Berkshires,” said Stephen Lieberman, President of the nonprofit and 2003 graduate. “We’re committed to ensuring future generations can learn, create, and belong here.” SRV is urgently raising $100,000 in operating funds and seeking community pledges to purchase the campus. Donate or get involved at www.SimonsRockVillage.org.
SRV’s immediate priorities are to keep the Kilpatrick Athletic Center open for over 350 local families, maintain the Daniel Arts Center for performances and exhibitions, and repurpose campus housing to address the region’s urgent need for affordable homes. “The Kilpatrick and Daniel Arts are vital to our community, especially those living in and visiting Southern Berkshire County,” said Board Member Jonathan Lothrop, ’86. “These facilities are essential to our community’s health, culture, and economy.”
Long-term, SRV plans to expand affordable housing, live/work spaces, and educational programs, partnering with local organizations to revitalize campus spaces for new businesses and lifelong learning, all rooted in Simon’s Rock’s legacy of innovation and inclusion.
SRV’s experienced team brings expertise in nonprofit management, business, arts, housing, and community development, ensuring transparent stewardship and sustainable growth. With deep ties to the Berkshires and New York region, SRV is uniquely positioned to lead this effort.
Join us to keep Simon’s Rock a beacon of opportunity and belonging.
Learn more or support at www.SimonsRockVillage.org.
Press: Media@SimonsRockVillage.org
Simon’s Rock Village is a nonprofit initiative of Youbilee (EIN: 33-2503140), dedicated to preserving the campus as a vibrant, intergenerational resource for the region. Learn more at www.Youbilee.org.
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In The News
the Berkshire Edge: Second group looking to purchase former Bard College at Simon’s Rock campus.
Berkshire Eagle: From campus to village: These Simon’s Rock alumni have a vision for the campus.