Visited Reed College Today

I went to Reed College today for lunch with a friend. A guy that came through my college ministry is a new employee there. We haven’t seen each other in about 6 months or more, so it was good to catch up, see where he’s living, walk around campus and grab a bite in the DC. I always enjoy visiting college campuses because each one is so different. However, Reed is a bit more unique than most. First, it’s an absolutely beautiful campus unparalleled by any other campus I’ve visited. Tree’s, streams, old brick buildings - amazing. And of course true to it’s Oregonian flavor all the new dorms are entirely environmentally friendly. But there are also some other uniques aspects to this school.

Reed has often been called the most liberal college in the US. It’s known for parties, woodstock-like events, “free love,” and deep intellectualism. I’ve even heard, and has been affirmed by others that have gone there, that they have a “topless” day where many people actually get involved - and no, I’m not exaggerating. Of course not everyone gets involved on this day, but apparently there are those that do participate. One thing, to give you an idea of the uniqueness, they have a corporate seal on mugs, shirts, etc. that says, “Atheism, Communism, Free Love.” I’m assuming it’s the idea of tolerance and acceptance that brings this type of phraseology out, but nevertheless it’s unique (and controversial).

I must say the people I met today were genuinely nice and seemed to be pretty down to earth. The school is well known for its academic rigor and high scholasticism and many students attend there for that reason. I learned today that the library is open until 2:30 am and is typically filled with students until closing time. Liberal, maybe - but committed higher education also characterizes this school.

The most interesting thing though, and this might give you a bit of a pit in your stomach (no pun intended - you’ll see what I mean) was becoming aware of the “Scrounge Table” in the dining center - notice the people standing in the distance. This table is situated directly in front of where students drop off their trays when done eating. You’re probably getting the point now, but apparently this is a table in which students who cannot afford to pay for lunch (probably because tuition is apparently $40k a year), or simply don’t want to pay hang out and eat everyone else’s left overs. Yep, they actually stand at the table and wait for people to bring over their half eaten sandwiches, soup bowls, burgers, etc. and then go to town. The number of students at this table continued to grow throughout lunch. One of the people at the table had a boom-box blasting Rush through the dining hall, which is I guess the norm. Now, that is definitely a unique element to this campus! It was truly an amazing thing to watch. Probably the most interesting thing to me, however, was that students didn’t appear to look down on the “scroungers” in any way- which I thought was pretty cool. In most contexts this group of people would probably be made fun of in extreme ways. But, not here, not at Reed.

The great thing about this school is that it’s unique. The saddening parts are obvious, but what a place to be involved with from a ministry perspective! It also gives a decent feel, I think, of the Portland area - known to be one of the most liberal areas in the country. Portland has the most strip clubs per capita and this is among many many many other elements that you may be shocked at…oh, and it’s also the “least churched state” in the country. Maybe that has something to do with it…