As a junior in family and consumer sciences education in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences at Iowa State, I am concerned about the proposed merge between the College of Family and Consumer Sciences and the College of Education.

This community has nurtured not only my professional development, but my personal development as well.

The College of Family and Consumer Sciences (formerly known as Home Economics) at Iowa State University owns a rich history.

On October 21, 1868, in the mist of controversy about the higher education of women, Iowa State College opened its doors with an enrollment of 68 men and women.

Mary B. Welch, the wife of President Adonijah S. Welch, committed herself to teaching home economics to the women at Iowa State.

This was the first attempt in the United States to teach home economics to college students. There were no guides, no outline of courses, no books and very little money. The college of Home Economics was officially established in 1871.

As a student and member of the Family and Consumer Sciences community, I feel that my voice has been taken away.

When were we as students, as college ambassadors, officers in clubs and leaders in this college, invited to the table for discussion?

Has anyone looked at the root disciplines that support Family and Consumer Sciences and considered merging those programs to strengthen this college? Or has this decision, which has the potential to influence the Family and Consumer Sciences profession at large, been based solely on economics?

If the College of Family and Consumer Sciences needs money so badly, did anyone ask the more than 23,500 living alumni to help? I am sure they would be willing to dig deep into their pockets to prevent being stripped of their identity. I know I would.

This is not the time to weaken the college that strives to empower families and individuals to attain their goals, nor is it the time to take away part of the Iowa State University heritage. There will never be such a time.

Mary Linnenbrink

Junior

Family and Consumer Sciences Education