In a bold move that could reshape higher education in America, Raj Peter Bhakta, founder of the Vermont-based whiskey brand Bhakta Spirits, has announced his intention to gift the campus of the now-defunct Green Mountain College to a suitable new owner. The campus, purchased by Bhakta in 2020 during the pandemic for $4.5 million, was once valued at over $20 million and lies in a stunning location in Poultney, Vermont.
Bhakta’s Vision for the Campus
Bhakta’s proposal is contingent upon the recipient aligning with his vision for a revival of Western civilization grounded in spiritual values. He is specifically seeking Catholic or other Christian institutions that share his belief that America requires a “return to our Christian roots.” This reflects his conviction that revamping the educational landscape is essential for restoring the nation’s core values.
“The revival of our country and our civilization is predicated on a spiritual revival,” Bhakta stated, emphasizing that his intentions extend beyond mere academics. He believes a higher education institution should address deeper societal needs, functioning as a catalyst for cultural revitalization.
Career Journey and Financial Transformation
Raj Peter Bhakta’s journey in the whiskey industry began after an unexpected exit from a reality television competition, where he was famously fired by former President Donald Trump during the second season of The Apprentice. This setback propelled Bhakta into a transformative phase of his life. After experiencing financial difficulties during the 2008 recession, he recognized a gap in the high-end whiskey market and founded WhistlePig, which has since gained substantial recognition.
Despite the success of his whiskey brand, Bhakta faced challenges that led to a departure from WhistlePig in 2019 amid a corporate dispute. With the proceeds from his exit, he launched his namesake spirits company. By 2020, amidst the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic, he acquired the shuttered Green Mountain College, which had succumbed to declining enrollment and closed its doors in 2019.
Reflecting on his initial aspirations, Bhakta remarked, “I bought this place, and then quickly learned that starting a college was a little bit more complicated than I had originally envisioned.” Despite this realization, he remains dedicated to the mission of reviving the campus as an educational institution.
Next Steps in the Campus Journey
As Bhakta seeks potential beneficiaries, he is currently vetting candidates who can actualize his vision for reviving the campus. His primary preference remains a Catholic institution, but he is open to partnerships with other Christian organizations. “If I can’t find one of those, I’ll sell it. But I don’t suspect that I’ll have to sell it,” he remarked, indicating a strong belief in finding the right match.
Sarah Pelkey, a former community development director in Poultney, praised the beauty of the Green Mountain College campus and described Bhakta’s acquisition as a “steal.” She previously expressed optimism about the potential for new educational opportunities, considering the site’s scenic and historic appeal.
Bhakta remains steadfast in his commitment to the idea that educational institutions should nurture deeper societal and cultural values, rather than falling solely into a technical or secular approach. “There’s a deeper, more fundamental need in this country,” he insisted.
In light of his strong convictions, Bhakta posits that America stands on the brink of a spiritual awakening. “We’ve had two great awakenings in this country before, and I think we’re at the dawn, God willing, of a third great awakening,” he stated.
As discussions unfold and Bhakta evaluates prospective candidates, the fate of the Green Mountain College campus hangs in the balance, with the potential to pioneer a new direction for higher education aligned with Bhakta’s vision for revival and rejuvenation.
Source reference: Full report
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