UNITY — Classes resumed for the spring semester at Unity College on Wednesday, Jan. 23, with the college announcing major financial accomplishments.

Since July, the college has reduced its debt by more than $1,000,000. This has been accomplished by donations made to the Campaign for Unity and the 25th anniversary fund-raising campaign, negotiated payments and discounts of more than $300,000 with state and federal agencies, forgiveness by trustees of some $300,000 in loans, and the generosity of many vendors who have forgiven portions of indebtedness.

College President Wilson G. Hess said, “The college has made great strides in building a foundation for a brighter financial future, thanks to the support of its many friends in the private and public sectors.”

With 27 new students entering for the spring semester, Unity officials indicate that they are ahead of enrollment goals. Applications for admission in the fall 1991 entering class also are strong, according to John M.B. Craig, dean of enrollment services.

In addition to reducing its debt by 37 percent, Unity College has negotiated a debt consolidation loan with Bangor Savings Bank, a Maine-owned bank committed to community development and Maine values. With this structure, the college will be able to manage its debt service and concentrate its energies on academic and student programs.

“As we move forward,” Hess said, “our focus is to carry out the mission of Unity College: to educate students who will be stewards of our natural resources for the next generation, and to continue offering access to quality higher education to promising students.”