In 1833, in one stroke, Oberlin College and the City of Oberlin were founded. Now Oberlin College is ranked the 20th best liberal arts college in America, and there is reason to believe it will continue to climb. However, poverty rates have continued to rise in the Oberlin town — the last census showed almost 20 percent of the town to be living in poverty — and one can’t help think that as the College perpetually and relentlessly moves forward, the town is being left behind.

This year marks the 175th anniversary of both the College and the town, and a whole host of events are under way to celebrate this historic year for both. Amid the pomp and circumstance and speeches and picnics and revelry, we ask that the administration give the ailing town something tangible to assist its growth along with ours.

During Nancy Dye’s tenure, she instituted the Center for Service and Learning — now the Bonner Center — to encourage mutual growth between the College and town through community service. She also instituted the Oberlin High School Scholarship to enable those who have grown up here to attend Oberlin without charge. These were wonderful changes, but the disparity persists. Our new administration should continue Dye’s efforts.

Oberlin High School is not a university high school, but with the resources of the College it could be something on par. Even more immediately, we must do what we can to ensure a fair standard of living. In that way we won’t be just those curious kids from the coasts, and maybe we’ll be seen as what we ought to be: socially conscious.