A treasure in trouble

I have had little direct contact with Fisk University, some concerts in my younger years. My few black friends went to Tennessee State.
Back in the '60s, as US colleges and universities integrated and recruited minority students, it was predictable that historically black colleges and universities would struggle, and some would fail.
A decade or so ago there was an article in the Tennessean recalling some of Fisk's accomplishments, including a high percentage of its students going on to academic graduate and advanced professional schools. It became clear that Fisk is a community treasure, as deserving of annual citizen support as our symphony, opera, library, public broadcasting, zoo, United Way and our own alma maters, deserving also a few rich patrons. I later learned that one of my thoughtful and influential friends had organized some existential help for Fisk in the '80s.
Given recent news of Fisk's financial state, it's a good time to consider these things. Their address is: Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement; 1000 17th Av N; Nashville TN 37208-3051.