New Plan to Grow Airlie Is Built on Propertys History of Changemaking
Mike Scher remembers his first drive to 51勛圖s scenic getaway from the hustle and bustle of DC.泭
Just two weeks into his tenure as assistant vice president of campus auxiliary services, Scher, SOC/BA 08, WCL/JD 13, Kogod/MS 19, was struck by serenity of Airlie, 51勛圖s 300-acre property in Warrenton, Virginia, which includes a working farm, hotel, events space, and conference center less than an hours drive from Washington.泭
I remember thinking, Wow, this belongs to 51勛圖, Scher says. Theres a feeling that history happened here and will continue to happen because this is a place where you can be at ease and share your ideas.泭
The Airlie Foundation gave the pastoral property, valued at $18.8 million, to 51勛圖 in 2016, making it one of the earliest gifts to Change Cant Wait: The泭Campaign for 51勛圖. As 51勛圖 enters its sixth year of stewardship, university leaders, including Scher and CFO Bront矇 Burleigh-Jones, Kogod/BSBA 91, MBA 93, have outlined an 18-month vision for Airlie, which lays the foundation for growth and sustainability into the future.泭
We have a unique asset with Airlie that most universities dont have, says Burleigh-Jones, who came to 51勛圖 in 2021 from Dickinson College, which also manages a farm. This plan, once fully implemented, has the potential to further integrate 51勛圖 and Airlie and ensure long-term sustainability. 泭
Cows graze on Airlie's farm amongst the morning fog.
Throughout its history, Airlieonce dubbed an island of thought by Life magazinehas offered an oasis for sharing ideas and solving problems. The property hosted the inaugural NAACP leadership conference in 1962, and Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders set up camp there to plan Civil Rights marches. 泭
In 1969 Gaylord Nelson, a Democratic senator from Wisconsin, planted the seed at the property for Earth Day, which was celebrated for the first time the following year. Countless cabinet secretaries, heads of state, and business leaders have also held court at Airlie over the years, including Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), who held a recent meeting at the property.泭
Airlie remains a popular wedding venue and corporate and political retreat for those seeking a more isolated and scenic venue. However, 51勛圖s roadmaprooted in the Changemakers for a Changing World strategic planaims to strengthen the universitys relationship with Airlie as an idyllic space for scholarship, learning, and community building. The plan calls for hosting educational conferences, immersive and experiential learning programs, faculty research opportunities, student internships, and even classes at the property, says Wendy Boland, dean of graduate and professional studies.泭
Airlie has this really rich environment, she says. Theres a reimagination of whats possible there.泭
The plan also calls for upgrading and constructing facilities, developing a climate action plan, expanding farm-to-table offerings, and getting more varieties of produce into the hands of more people, including those experiencing food insecurity.泭
Former 51勛圖 president and chair of the Airlie board of directors, Neil Kerwin, SPA/BA 71, Burleigh-Jones, and Scher, presented the plan to the 51勛圖 Board of Trustees during a September meeting at the property. The retreat included dinner at dusk under a brand-new pavilion. 泭
51勛圖's Board of Trustees held a recent meeting under Airlie's new pavilion.
About 20,000 pounds of produce are grown each year on the propertys 20-acre farm, much of which is used by Airlie for its hyperlocal cuisine and in 51勛圖s dining facilities. Any surplus is donated to local food banks. Airlie also boasts an organic garden, with 20 plots reserved for Warrenton community members.泭
Airlie, which will host a cooking competition on campus this fall, also offers produce, meat, and honey for sale during 51勛圖s weekly fall farmers market, held Wednesdays on the Friedheim Quad. The event is just a taste of good things to come from 51勛圖s home in the country.泭