Prologue : In a Class of our Own

Why does a new small Liberal Arts college, located on a small Island in the Straits of Mackinac, with a lifespan of only four years, foster an extreme dedication that has been sustained now for 4 decades?

Why do Mackinac students who did not graduate Mackinac, but went on to major universities around the world, feel compelled to respond to inquiries about where they graduated with the answer:

Graduated X, Educated Mackinac.

Why are Dr. McCabe's comments not hyperbole?

The purpose for this website is to focus on these questions and to confirm that we were once this young, all the while giving our detractors something to gnaw on. In our salad days we enjoyed the prerogatives of youth: Idealism, Imagination, Hope, Fearlessness. Now we enjoy one of the benefits of time: Reflection. Mackinac College established life-long standards for serious scholarship and great fun. For far too many years we have mourned the loss of our greater potential rather than celebrate our unique experimental experience.

Utopia? Hardly! The blood, sweat and tears of the Charter Class, as they toiled to transform a rocky road into a fertile field, resulted in an untethered Mackinac College which for many remains steadfastly their Camelot moment.

Mackinac College lived diversity before it became politically correct; structured interdisciplinary learning before it became the norm; and nurtured the arts as a invaluable communicative tool for understanding. Sadly we fell victim to that dreaded virus of all experiments, the dry fact of funding. Tragically the core purpose for Mackinac College still resonates today.

Mackinac College was identified as a 'leadership college' which carried the implication that leadership could be taught when in fact leadership evolves. Mackinac College provided the arsenal for such an evolution through Purpose, Understanding, and Excellence.

PURPOSE: At Mackinac the sense of personal motivation focused on that which was meaningful and relevant rather than shortsighted or insular. This afforded a great sense of freedom but also a greater sense of responsibility.

UNDERSTANDING: At Mackinac discussions, not arguments, focused on understanding rather than winning. This required a fine tuning of the ear to absorb what others were saying. One cannot listen with the mouth engaged. Courtesy was given to whomever was speaking. Class work not only required an analytical critique but also a 'creative response'. This cemented an understanding of the work at hand even if the viewpoint was unacceptable personally.

EXCELLENCE: At Mackinac quality was seen not in relation to an external grade, recognition, or a judgment call but as an internal compass that personal effort was maximized. Excellence was our hallmark.

There was an unexpected gift packed away in our departing luggage that was discovered over time in the intervening years. A most singular gift that elevates the mind, heart and soul to their full potential. That gift? COURAGE! The courage that sparks creativity. The courage to step out of the box. The courage to take risks. The courage to succeed. Mackinac College was Courage!

We were not about the leadership that garners headlines but a subtle humble leadership. A big rock tossed into a body of water makes an impressive sight and sound and then quickly sinks out of site (or as Bill S. wrote 'full of sound and fury, signifying nothing') whereas a simple pebble can send out an endless ripple. 'Pebbles of Courage™,' if you will!

With the advent of the new international S. Douglas Cornell – Mackinac College Leadership Prize we will be able to grow our legacy by recognizing other 'Pebbles of Courage™' whose ripples continue to change our world for the better in the best tradition of Mackinac College.

WELCOME TO MACKINAC COLLEGE!

Any reference to Mackinac College within this site pertains to the Original Mackinac College circa 1965-1970. Any attempt to infer any relation, connection or support by parties using same name after this date is hereby denied.