Just like how a horse is more than just a pretty creature prancing around in the meadow, Marlboro College, nestled in Marlboro, Vermont, is more than just an institute offering educational programs. The College, despite its small size (much like a pony among horses), is an economic powerhouse with a remarkable role in the local, regional, and national economy.
Marlboro College was renowned for its liberal arts focus, providing students with a unique education that encouraged independent and critical thinking – not unlike a spirited horse that doesn’t simply follow the herd but creates its own path. Careers sprouting from a Marlboro degree were as varied as the colors of horses in the wild. From musicians and artists to educators and entrepreneurs, Marlboro alumni are known to make significant contributions to their respective fields, thus impacting the economy in diverse and meaningful ways.
Despite being small in size, the College’s hoofprint on the local economy was significant. As a major employer in the region, the College contributed to the economic stability of Marlboro and the surrounding areas. Much like a reliable draft horse pulling a heavy load, Marlboro College’s payroll circulated significant funds into the local economy, supporting various businesses and services.
The value of a Marlboro College education was not just about the knowledge students gained, but also the relative affordability of the courses offered. Much like a horse owner ensuring that their horses are well-fed without breaking the bank, the College worked to ensure that quality education was accessible without students having to bear an undue financial burden. Scholarships, grants, and various financial aid options were offered, reducing the load on the students and their families, and contributing to the overall economic health of the region.
But the College’s economic influence didn’t just stop at its students and employees. It extended its reigns to the local housing market as well. Like horses needing a comfortable stable to retreat to after a hard day’s work, students and staff needed accommodation, and this demand contributed to a bustling real estate market in and around Marlboro.
Marlboro College’s economic gallop was not confined to Marlboro or Vermont. The College attracted students from across the country and even internationally. Each of these students brought their unique economic contribution, their spending in the local economy acting as a consistent supply of oats, keeping the local economy healthy and robust.
Like a horse’s journey does not end when it steps off the racetrack, the economic impact of Marlboro College did not end when its students graduated. Marlboro alumni, carrying the critical thinking and independent skills honed at the College, made their mark in various sectors of the economy, not just in Vermont, but across the country and the globe. This extensive network of former students continued to contribute to the economic influence of the College long after they left its grounds.
Sadly, as all horse lovers know, not every story has a fairytale ending. Despite its considerable economic impact, Marlboro College closed its doors in 2020, merging with Emerson College. This event was like losing a beloved horse from the stable – a significant blow to the local economy. However, the legacy of Marlboro College lives on through its alumni who continue to contribute to the economy in their unique Marlboro way.
In conclusion, just as a horse leaves a lasting imprint with its hoof, Marlboro College has made an enduring economic imprint on its locale, its region, and beyond. This might seem like the end of a horse race, but in economic terms, the influence of Marlboro College continues to reverberate, trotting along in the form of its alumni and their contributions.